It is a decisive weekend which awaits the two Sarthois Football teams still in contention in the Coupe de France. For the 7th round, Sablé FC and Le Mans FC will respectively face Locminé and Vannes this Saturday, November 16 at 5 p.m. In the event of victories, the two teams will face each other in Sablé-sur-Sarthe at the end of November.
Making the predictions lie
Before that, they will first have to impose themselves on lands that are not theirs. Sablé FC (N3) plays against a team from a division above. “Of course we would have preferred to host them at home, but we know that the Coupe de France is magical: anything can happen”, observes Gérard Gautier. For the president of Sablé FC, it is above all a question of state of mind: “It can come down to very few things.”
Le Mans FC is also preparing for a complicated match against Vannes. “We know very well that they are going to play a match with a lot of determination, and there are likely to be a lot of people at the stadium”warns Patrick Videira, the coach. Sang et Or supporters will not be able to travel, because the stadium is too small to accommodate everyone. Some regret it, because the meeting with Vannes is symbolic : in 2011, this match marked the end of Ligue 1 dreams for Le Mans FC. “Some supporters often ask me for a rematch, but I simply want to see it as an opportunity to advance to the eighth round of the Coupe de France”annonce Patrick Videira.
A historic meeting
In the event of a double victory for the Sarthe teams, they will face each other in the 8th round of the competition, which would be a first in history. “To be able to host Le Mans at home at the end of November, it would be a wonderful celebration for Sablé, but also for Sarthe football”projects Gérard Gautier. This would mean that at least one of the department’s clubs will join the 32nd finals.
“I am convinced that the work will pay off at one point or another,” assures the president of Sablé FC. His club is currently last in the N3 national championship.
Senegal
