abused for a very long time, the VAFC relied on the return of its serial scorer Mathias Oyewusi to dismiss a great team from Neuilly-sur-Marne (4-3), this Saturday. From 3 to 8, discover our ratings after this 8th round of the Coupe de France.
Man of the Match
It is undeniable, there is definitely a VAFC with and without Mathias Oyewusi (8), even in the Coupe de France against a team two divisions lower. The Nigerian got VA out of a trap perfectly set by the Nocéens by scoring a saving double. First well placed to take the ball pushed back by the opposing goalkeeper and equalize for a third time (3-3, 72′), he did it again at the very end of the match by making the difference in the area (4-3, 90+ 5′) to come and offer qualification to his family. Previously, he had been one of the only ones more or less there in the doldrums of Valenciennes thanks to his interesting heading game to progress the game (8′, 29′, 40′), while being involved in certain rare interesting situations (47′, 65′). Before making the powder speak twice.
The satisfactions
They weren't in the starting XI, but Maccabi Lilepo et Aymen Boutoutaou (not noted) were two X factors to get VA out of its difficulties. Entering at the same time (56′), the Congolese sounded the revolt by placing his header well on a corner (1-1, 57′). The Algerian equalized again with a splendid volley from the edge of the area (2-2, 62′). Impactful and decisive, they played a huge role in VAFC's ability to stay in the match, especially from a mental point of view. They sometimes made bad choices in the last quarter of an hour, which will quickly be forgotten given the outcome and their impact coming off the bench.
By its technical quality, Flamarion (6) tried to bring a little madness, especially in an insipid first half of the VAFC after the Nocean opening score. The Brazilian made a lot of stalls and got a lot of fouls, including some pretty interesting set pieces. If they were sometimes hit very badly, his corner on the head of Lilepo (1-1, 57′) was decisive and caused the equalizer – and a quarter of an hour of madness, in the process. He was one of the only ones to offer throughout the meeting, without necessarily shining and being fair each time, until his exit for Rémy Boissier (80′).
The disappointments
Established on the right at the expense of Lucas Buades, Ahmed Diomande (3) probably didn't score any points. Overflowing with desire, certainly, and rather aggressive on the carrier, the Malian right-back still seems to be too soft, particularly on a technical-tactical level. His lack of technical accuracy caused avoidable ball losses (32′, 38′), and he suffered a constant ordeal against the very restless and interesting Sajed Jebnoun, sometimes even being dropped with disconcerting ease (47′).
Captain of the day of the VAFC, Sambou Sissoko (3) did not necessarily hold its place. If it must be said that in his role as torchbearer, adversity and the appearance of the match – Neuilly was in a (very) low block after the opening score – did not highlight his qualities, he brought too little danger with the ball and illustrated Valencia's helplessness and sterility, particularly in the first period. To make matters worse, he crosses his shot too much and misses an opportunity in the first quarter of an hour (13') which could have greatly facilitated the task for the Valenciennes. Finally, the VAFC went to snatch its ticket for the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France with forceps. And full of emotions.
Match notes:
Camara (5), Diomandé (3), Poha (4), Woudenberg (4), Mpata Lama (4), Moursou (4), Sissoko (3), Traore (5), Flamarion (6), Oyewusi (8), Venema (4)
Enzo PAILOT, in Valenciennes
Photo credits: Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport
