Cannes, Thaon and Bourgoin-Jallieu offer L2

The magic of the Cup struck again, to the detriment of the Ligue 2 teams: Bourgoin-Jallieu (N3) took out Martigues (4-1), like AS Cannes (N2) against Grenoble (3-2) and Thaon (N3) against Amiens (2-1).

A thirty-second finish in the Coupe de France final just before Christmas, obviously that gives you ideas. Bourgoin-Jallieu (National 3), Thaon ES (N3) and AS Cannes (N2), like many others, had an idea in mind when receiving three Ligue 2 BKT clubs, FC Martigues, Amiens and Grenoble Foot 38.

THE MATCH
Bourgoin-Jallieu-Martigues: 4-1

The Isère players hit the ground running by realizing their first two chances: the first after 3 minutes by Pierre Kohser who collided and struck from the right from the edge of the area (1-0). In the 11th minute, on a casual touch, Pierre Khoser served Celal Bozkurt perfectly at the far post (2-0).

The Martégaux, who separated from their coach Thierry Laurey, finally reacted and took advantage of a poorly negotiated ball by the Isère goalkeeper Ronan Jay to reduce the score by Mahamé Siby, despite the return to the line of two defenders (23rd, 2 -1). But Bourgoin-Jallieu did not give his opponent time to get back into the match because on a new counter, Pierre Kohser – definitely on a big day – went on the counter and crossed from the right into the area (26th, 3-1).

With this lead, Bourgoin managed the second period and, on a new counter, it was Celal Bozkurt who crossed the Martega defense before hitting hard at the far post from Yan Marillat (66th, 4-1). Six minutes later, goalkeeper Martégal, injured on an outing, had to be replaced by Adel Anzimati. It really wasn't his day…

Everything lined up, we had the desire to be incisive to give a headache to this Martigues team which was a little sick in the championship. The scenario is ideal, on the first outing we score, on the third too, it's the perfect start. They make it 2-1, we score the third straight away and it's a turning point in the match. In the next round we would like to play at home, because we have a nice stadium. If we can go up a notch and face a Ligue 1, that's what this competition can offer, that would delight everyone.

Freddy Morel, coach of Bourgoin-Jallieu

THE MATCH
AS Cannes – Grenoble Foot 38 : 3-2

On the pitch of the Coubertin stadium which has seen the debut of so many great players, AS Cannes took the lead from the start through Julien Domingues (9th, 1-0) after a game of billiards in the Isère defense. Grenoble reacted quickly with Théo Valls (12, 1-1), again receiving a shot pushed back by the Cannes post.

But Julien Domingues wanted more because in the 19th, on an opening from Cheikh Ndoye, the Cannes striker found the top corner of Bobby Allain (2-1). And as a decisive passer, Cheikh Ndoye, from Red Star, headed in a corner from Cédric Gonçalves in the heart of the Grenoble area (39th, 3-1).

In the euphoria of the last minutes, while Julien Domingues and Cédric Gonçalves had just left, Grenoble gave itself a little hope with a victorious strike from Nesta Zahui (90th +2, 3-2). But it was much too late.

I'm delighted, it's the reward for all the efforts made. It also makes us lighter compared to the results in the championship, it will give us confidence, we will try to have a good run, like three years ago, even if the priority remains the championship. In the round of 16, the ideal would be to come across a small club, but there aren't many anymore, so it would be good to meet a Ligue 1 team.

Anny Courtade, president of AS Cannes

The AS Cannes players mastered their 32nd final against Grenoble Foot 38 by quickly leading the score (photo Pascal Della Zuana /ICON SPORT)