Coupe de France (4th round). The SO Cholet goes through the small door facing Machecoul

Although on the green rectangle we were far from a boxing match. It was clear that the Machecolais led on points at the break, 0-0. While the wind upset a jostled Cholet team, the locals were more aggressive. “We expected a difficult match, we were served, recognized Nenad Zekovic, the coach of the Mauges team afterwards. No matter the scenario of the match, we had to get through this round. We came with ambition, but also humility. »

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But the scenario could have been the opposite, like this goal from Louis Dupont which gave wings to Michaël Pinel’s players (1-0, 71′). While the Choletais always found a foot, a thigh or a knee to deflect the trajectory of the ball, they had to wait for the savior Pablo Marques who put his team back on level terms with a superb half-volley (1-1, 84′).

“We can only draw positives from it”

At the 74^e minute, Maxence Tougeron performed a classy action by stealing the ball that Bradley Besnard was about to put in the goal, not very inspired during this meeting.

Pablo Cabral thought he had the knockout goal. at the end of the foot (86′), but his shot crashed into Naulleau’s left post. Ultimately, it was necessary to rely on the penalty shootout to determine the winner.

If Meven Pinon for Cholet saw his shot go over the crossbar, Louis Dupont’s shot was stopped by Rayan Houstani and Alexandre Gauvrit’s attempt hit the crossbar… Cholet therefore qualified. “Disappointed yes, but if we watch the match again, we can only draw positives from it against a team of this caliberestimated the Machecoul coach. We’ll have to use it for the championship, but there was room. »