this small team dreams of qualifying for the 32nd finals

Limousin’s last representative in the French Football Cup, Union Sportive Entente Couzeix Chaptelat (Regional 2) will try to qualify for the 32nd finals of the competition. Limougauds host FC Espaly (Nationale 3), in the 8th round. Match on Sunday December 1, in Couzeix, kick-off 1:30 p.m.

After their victory at 7^e round of the Coupe de France, the Union Sportive Entente Couzeix Chaptelat is preparing to experience a new historic match for the club. Indeed, this is the first time that the USECC has managed to climb to 8^e round of the competition. Before, the club had not done better than a fifth round.

After the elimination of CS Feytiat (Regional 1), in the previous round, against Clermont-Ferrand (Ligue 2), the Limougeauds are now the last representatives of Limousin football, during this 108th edition of the Coupe de France.

What you have done is great! You have marked the history of the club so enjoy because these are rare moments in a career.

Dmitry Caloin

USECC coach

After the euphoria of their 1-0 victory against Brivois rescuers (Regional 3), the USECC players found a little calm in their Adrien Lacore stadium, before the reception of FC Espaly which plays in National 3.

Sunday, December 1, the task will not be easy, even at home, but the journey is already remarkable: “What you have done is great! You have marked the history of the club so take advantage because these are rare moments in a career!” says Dimitry Caloin, the young USECC coach, during his talk before training.

Still on cloud nine, Dimitry Caloin’s players, like midfielder Mahomed Daikha, believe in their chances:“Currently, we’re doing well, we haven’t lost a match since the start of the season and we have to continue this momentum. Now we come up against a Nationale 3 and we will have to play with our weapons to win.”

It’s something that will stay anchored in us.

Omar Sawane

Captain of the USECC

Amateurs, the players from the suburbs of Limoges are fine-tuning their preparation, inspired by their journey and the history they are writing: “It’s something that will remain anchored in us. With this journey, now we are linked. The group lives well and it’s something that will remain engraved in our lives”confides Omar Sawane, the captain of the team.

Former Malagasy international, Dimitry Caloin, who participated in CAN 2019, in Egypt, with Madagascar, knows the Coupe de France well. The young coach, who hung up his boots last season, is starting his career as a technician in the best possible way and he does not intend to stop there. He hopes that the adventure will continue after December 1: “Clearly, we will have our chances. There are exploits in the Coupe de France all the time, so we will allow ourselves to dream a little longer.”

On the field side, the players are preparing, but behind the scenes too. Exceptional match, exceptional organization. Security, welcomes spectators, opponents, referees etc., nothing is left to chance. The specifications of the French Football Federation are strict: “We hope to have a few people, so there is a whole process to put in place to welcome spectators in the best possible way. It’s a big organization, so we will call on many volunteers from the club” ,csays Julien Raffier, president of the USECC.

There are still a few days left for managers and players to fine-tune the preparation for this historic 8th round of the French Cup for the club. If by chance the USECC managed to qualify for the 32nd finals, the draw could offer them a nice Christmas present, perhaps a Ligue 1 club.