Valenciennes book place in Coupe de France semi-final for first time in over half a century
Ligue 2 side Valenciennes booked their place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over National 1 side FC Rouen. It is the first time the club have reached this stage of the competition since 1970.
The Coupe de France has provided welcome relief for Valenciennes. The club are currently rock-bottom of Ligue 2 and look almost certain to make the drop down to National 1. They may face Wednesday night’s opponents Rouen in the league next year but before potentially doing so, they will have a shot at glory in the Coupe de France.
Valenciennes took the lead thanks to a first-half goal from Mathias Oyewusi. Rouen didn’t pose a great threat in the tie but were given a lifeline after Anthony Knockaert conceded a clumsy penalty in the 90th minute. Damien Loppy missed his initial penalty but converted the rebound to take the game to extra-time, which was ultimately won by Valenciennes (1-1, 4-2 on penalties).
The result sees giant-killers Rouen, who beat AS Monaco on penalties in the previous round, crash out, but Valenciennes now have the chance to save what has been a dire season. “In the dark season that we are living through, it is more than a ray of sunshine,” reacted Ahmed Kantari post-match.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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