In the 32nd final, the senior boys put in a huge performance this Saturday, January 11, 2025, against Est Handball 43.
It was at the end of an unbreathable match, which ended on penalties, that the senior boys of Mende Gévaudan Club (MGC) Handball qualified for the 16e of the Coupe de France final, this Saturday January 11, against Est Handball 43.
Around fifty supporters traveled to Monistrol-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire) to support them. The locals also had a lot of supporters. It was therefore an ultra-hot gymnasium which awaited the meeting.
14 to 14 at the break
Lozère captain Antoine Cuminal launched the hostilities with the opener, well imitated by the solid Florian Coste who doubled the lead. A hand by hand then began between the two teams.
The visitors remained in the lead on the scoreboard. We had to wait until the 20e minute to see Est Handball 43 take the lead, 10 to 9. However, it was said that the two teams would have had difficulty deciding between themselves. The break was therefore naturally whistled with a score of 14 to 14.
Seven goals conceded in just four minutes
The start of the second half was completely to the advantage of the MGC, with a great Marwane Soussi in the goals. The Mendois led, 21 to 18, in the 40the minute. There were only ten left. The score was in favor of the Mendois who led 26-22.
The bad choices of Erwan Pot's teammates, however, completely restarted the game. From the sidelines, coach Florent Bodin watched a shipwreck. His men suffered a severe 7 to 1 in just five minutes. 29 to 27 for the locals just two minutes from the end of the match.
Olivier Cavalier, hero of the match
A defeat for the MGC players then seemed inevitable. However, it was said that the two teams would not be able to decide before the end of the match. After a monumental mental effort, Olivier Cavalier fought back to equalize at 30, three seconds from the buzzer.
Magnificent communion between players and supporters
Time for the penalty shootout. The MGC players had the strongest nerves with only one failure compared to two for Est Handball 43. All the Lozère supporters and players were able to let their joy explode. What magnificent communion at the end of the victory!
“Est Handball 43, a great state of mind”
“It’s not just the victory of the senior boys but that of an entire club, proclaims Florent Bodin. We managed to monopolize a lot of away supporters. It was a match with incredible intensity with a level which was more that of the Nationale 3 than of the Prenationale. History wanted us to pass, but I don't forget to salute this Est Handball 43 team which is a great team, with a great state of mind.”
-The next round at the end of February
The coach is already looking towards the next deadline: “We have to stay involved. A big match awaits us in the championship. We will have a lot of matches over the months of January and February. It will be important to be able to count on everyone to avoid injuries. What pride to be at head this team and give so much pleasure to the people who follow us every weekend.”
The next round will be played on Sunday February 23 with the 16e final, in the morning, and the 8e final in the afternoon.
The girls return empty-handed from their trip to Clermont-Ferrand
Traveling to Clermont-Ferrand, this Saturday January 11, 2025, the senior girls of Mende Gévaudan Club (MGC) Handball lost 24 to 20 in a very close match. The visitors narrowly missed at the start of the second half.
During the first period, the defenses took over the attacks. The commitment was total. The two teams went blow for blow. The two teams turned their backs on each other at the break; 11-11.
Short defeat
The start of the second half started again on the same basis. However, Clermont ended up taking the lead. The locals even had a three-goal lead before the start of the last quarter of an hour, 17 to 14. Too many inaccuracies in attack did not allow the Mendoises to stay in contact with their young opponents in the evening.
Far from being defeated, they fought not to sink. They finished the match with a narrow four-goal defeat.
Next match against the leader at Vernède
For Sébastien Frey “it's still a defeat and as a coach it's always frustrating to lose, especially when you're on an equal footing with your opponent for more than fifty minutes. We sometimes missed out. At this level, we paid cash. Despite everything, I want to find positive in this result. Two huge matches await us. It will be important to perform well.
Next meeting, this Saturday January 18, at 9 p.m., at La Vernède against the undefeated leader Échirolles.
France
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