Troyes (Ligue 2) created a surprise on Wednesday by knocking Rennes (1-0) out of the Coupe de France at the Stade de l'Aube to reach the round of 16 and grant itself a breath of happiness in its dark years.
A player symbolized this success full of self-sacrifice: Rafiki Saïd, who first provoked, then completely missed a penalty (27th) against the French international Brice Samba, before scoring the only goal of the match, in force and at close range (56th).
The Comorian winger has thus brought a smile back to a club which has continued to sink for four and a half years, when it was bought by the extremely wealthy City Football group, which also owns Manchester City.
Since then, the club which was then playing in Ligue 1 has experienced two descents, including one at the end of last season in National finally canceled by the Professional Football League (LFP) after the administrative relegation of Bordeaux.
Currently fifteenth in Ligue 2, Estac could well drop down to the third division for good at the end of the season. But the Aube club is at least assured of continuing its journey in the Coupe de France to vibrate again.
Opposite, the Bretons of Jorge Sampaoli did not do enough. Only Amine Gouiri was able to prove dangerous, notably finding the right post of the cages guarded by Nicolas Lemaître (41st). The Trojan goalkeeper then quickly came out in front of the Rennes attacker to deflect his attempt (76th).
On the contrary, it was even the Trojans who had several opportunities to widen the gap through Ibrahim Traoré (82nd, 90th+1), in vain. No matter, they will see the eighths.
France
