Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Wednesday January 15, 2025 at 9:18 p.m.
The magic of the Coupe de France struck again during the round of 16, offering a mixture of exploits and surprises. Here are the highlights of this early evening which kept all its promises.
These round of 32 matches once again highlighted the competitiveness of amateur clubs. In addition to Saint-Brieuc and Cannes, other teams from lower divisions have shown that they have the weapons to compete with teams at higher levels. These exploits reinforce the reputation of the Coupe de France as a competition where anything becomes possible. Rennes and Lorient, despite being big favorites, are the big disappointments of this round. The two Breton clubs fell against supposedly inferior opponents, confirming the unpredictability of this competition.
Saint-Brieuc, the historic feat
Saint-Brieuc, a modest National 2 club, created one of the biggest emotions of this round by eliminating Annecy, residents of Ligue 2, after a breathtaking penalty shootout (1-1, 4-3 tab). The Griffons, 59 years after their last qualification for the round of 16, were able to count on their goalkeeper Franck L'Hostis, imperious during the fateful session. This performance marks a new page in the history of this Breton club.
Cannes, Lorient slayer
Another resounding feat, that of Cannes (N2), which claimed the scalp of Lorient, current leader of Ligue 2, with a score of 2-1. The hero of the evening? Chafik Abbas, author of a masterful double, allowing the Azuréens to obtain a deserved qualification. With an iron defense and impeccable organization, Cannes defied all predictions against a Breton team lacking inspiration.
The solid favorites: Toulouse and Brest are present
Among the Ligue 1 clubs involved, some have managed to avoid the pitfalls of this often perilous round. Toulouse dominated Laval (2-1) thanks to quick goals from Denis Genreau and Charlie Cresswell. Despite a reduction in the score at the end of the match by the Laval residents, the Toulouse residents never trembled.
Brest, for its part, eliminated Nantes in a 100% Ligue 1 duel (2-1). With goals from Sima and Chardonnet in the first period, the Brestois mastered their subject against the Canaries who were too late in their reaction, despite an achievement from Guirassy.
Troyes and Strasbourg, qualification in pain
If some clubs shone with their efficiency, others had to work hard to reach the eighth stage. Troyes (L2) created a surprise by eliminating Rennes (L1) by the smallest of margins (1-0). Rafiki Saïd was the Trojan hero by scoring the only goal of the match after missing a penalty earlier. For its part, Rennes delivered a disappointing performance, severely lacking inspiration and bite.
Strasbourg, for its part, had to rely on a penalty shootout to get rid of Thaon, a National 3 club (2-2, 5-3 tab). Rayane Messi, author of a double for the Alsatians, was decisive before his teammates achieved a faultless shootout.
Angers, a reassuring success
In a spectacular match, Angers defeated Quevilly-Rouen Métropole (3-2). Esteban Lepaul, in great form with 5 goals in 4 games, shone again by quickly opening the score. The Angevins resisted until the end despite a late penalty from QRM, confirming their place in the round of 16.
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