Tasteless for an hour, the VAFC defeated a valiant team from Neuilly-sur-Marne (4-3) at the end of a match with an irrational scenario, during the 8th round of the Coupe de France. Despite a worrying performance, VA provides the essentials and will be there in the 32nd finals.
An absolutely weak VAFC for an hour
The VAFC is not cured, but the VAFC is qualified and that is the main thing. Despite a reversal and a home match in front of just over 3,000 brave people to brave the freezing cold of the North, VA did not escape the traditional Coupe de France trap match against Neuilly-sur-Marne, resident of National 3. In control without being really dangerous, except for a cross shot that Sambou Sissoko will perhaps ruminate on for a long time (13′), the Hainaut club was punished. Moussa Traoré hit Jean-Éric Moursou quite violently to recover the ball in the Valencian third, and Sajed Jebnoun finished the job with a splendid long shot into the top corner (0-1, 18').
The VAFC had just taken a blow to the head and, given their desperate sterility with the ball, did not seem capable of taking on a team that was two divisions lower. The Ile-de-France residents even had one last opportunity captured by Papa Camara before the break (37′), as a symbol. More impactful and determined to play forward, without being much better either, the Valenciennes were rewarded for their more respectable intentions with Makabi Lilepo's well-placed header (1-1, 57'). The first episode of a completely crazy sequence.
A totally crazy second half
Immediately after the kick-off, Neuilly obtained and converted a penalty by Mamadou Baldé (1-2, 62′). Not defeated, the VAFC responded tit for tat with the magnificent recovery of Aymen Boutoutaou, another entrant (2-2, 64′). But decidedly incorrigible, the team led by Damien Perquis again lost the advantage in the following action, this time by being subjected to the law of Dilane Mutombo and his unstoppable strike into the opposite corner (2-3, 65'). Barely had time to regain his senses when Mathias Oyewusi, vigilant on the second ball, put the two teams back on level terms (3-3, 72′), concluding an improbable quarter of an hour marked by five goals and, ultimately, yet another equalizer Valencian.
While everyone thought they were heading towards a fateful penalty shootout, Oyewusi was at the conclusion of a nice collective movement and offered VAFC qualification at the end of a totally crazy and almost inexplicable match. Having gone through all the emotions, the Hainaut club will be there for the 32nd finals. As if this idyll with this competition, after the epic of last season, could not end in anonymity so quickly.
Enzo PAILOT, in Valenciennes
Photo credits: Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport
The match film:
8′ Oyewusi heads well on Sissoko, who is beaten before hitting.
9′ Venema tries his luck from afar. The Nocéan goalkeeper releases the ball, without consequence since Oyewusi is flagged offside.
13′ On the edge of the area, Flamarion throws Sissoko perfectly. But the shot from the Valencian midfielder, alone in the area, is too crossed. Huge missed opportunity for VA.
16′ Flamarion's very eccentric free kick is well taken, but Etroukang serenely catches it.
18′ Moussa Traoré pushes Moursou quite violently, but the referee does not call a foul. Jebnoun inherits the ball and, with a magnificent strike from 25 meters into the top corner, deceives a helpless Camara. (0-1)
35′ Neuilly takes advantage of VA's lack of technical accuracy to intercept a ball and go on a counter-attack. Fodié Camara drops Poha and runs into Papa Camara.
47′ Oyewusi recovers a high ball and projects himself before serving Venema, who gets a corner.
57′ On a corner hit at the penalty spot by Flamarion, Lilepo takes over with an uncrossed header which deceives Etroukang. (1-1)
61′ In the wake of the kick-off, Neuilly-sur-Marne obtains a penalty converted by Baldé. (1-2)
64′ Upon receiving a second ball, Boutoutaou adjusts a magnificent volley which puts the two teams back on level terms. (2-2)
65′ Alone against Etroukang, Oyewusi comes up against the Nocéan goalkeeper.
65′ On a counter-attack, Mutombo eliminates a Valenciennes player and sends an exceptional missile into the opposite corner. (2-3)
72′ Found on the edge of the area, Flamarion hits heavily. Etroukang pushes back on Oyewusi, who follows well and equalizes again. (3-3)
76′ Launched on the right side, Lilepo does not complete his action and crosses for Oyewusi, in vain.
90+5′ At the end of a nice Valencian movement, Oyewusi finds himself alone against Etroukang and offers qualification to VA. (4-3)
VAFC – NEUILLY-SUR-MARNE: 4-3 (0-1)
8th round of Coupe de France
Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes
Attendance: 3,077 spectators
Referee: M. Rosier
Goals: Lilepo (57′), Boutoutaou (64′), Oyewusi (72′, 90+5′) for Valenciennes; Jebnoun (18′), Baldé (61′), Mutombo (65′) for Neuilly-sur-Marne
Warnings: Diomandé (75′), Kayi Sanda (90′) for Valenciennes; Mr. Traoré (37′) for Neuilly-sur-Marne
VAFC (4-3-3): Camara – Diamond, Poha (Kayi Sanda, 60′), Woudenberg, Mpata Lama – Moursou (Boutoutaou, 56′), Sissoko (c.), Traoré – Venema (Lilepo, 56′), Oyewusi, Flamarion (Boissier, 80′)
Substitutes: Michel (g.), Kayi Sanda, Buades, Boissier, Masson, Boutoutaou, Lilepo
Coach: Damien Perquis
NEUILLY-SUR-MARNE (4-2-3-1): Etroukang – Lobe, Dianka, Korea, Semedo da Veiga – Dabo, Lema – Camara (c.) (Mutombo, 62′), Traoré (Benyoucef, 70′), Jebnoun – Baldé ( Skira, 70′)
Substitutes: Kallo, Bahamboula, Benyoucef, Mutombo, Theleste, Makengo, Skira
Coach: Mohamed Cissoko
