Late goal sinks 10-man Reunion islanders in French Cup

Pulse News Agency International by AFP

January 18, 2020 3:34 PM

A goal in the 117th minute marked the end of JS Saint-Pierroise's dreams of becoming the first team from a French overseas territory to reach the last 16 of the French Cup.

No joy for JS Saint-Pierroise of Reunion Island as Epinal goalkeeper Jerome Idir keeps them at bay in the French Cup

The Reunion islanders, who beat Ligue 2 side Niort in the last round, played for all but the first 15 minutes against Epinal with just 10 men following a red card for their captain Jean-Michel Fontaine after a clumsy challenge that saw his victim stretchered off.

However, 'The Storks', who ply their trade in the equivalent of the sixth division, still took fourth tier Epinal into extra-time before Adel Berkane scored the winner three minutes before a potential penalty shoot-out.

Saint-Pierroise had already matched the achievement of Geldar Kourou from French Guiana, who were the first overseas outfit to make it as far as the last 32, back in 1989.

FC Limonest will fly the flag for the part-timers in the last 16 after they beat fellow fifth-tier side Prix les Mezieres 1-0 through a 53rd minute goal from Evan Rouvier.

Ligue 1's Nice had to battle hard to win 2-1 against Red Star, France's second oldest club set up in 1897 and currently second in the third division.

Danilo put Nice ahead after 26 minutes with Ignatius Ganago adding a second three minutes later.

The Parisians battled hard in the second half forcing several fine saves from Nice goalkeeper Walter Benitez before Yanis Hamache scored a consolation for Red Star in the 90th minute.

Marseille are also through after their 3-0 win over Granville on Friday, their third goal scored for Dmitri Payet, formerly of JS Saint-Pierroise.

Bordeaux are out though, beaten 3-2 after extra-time by third division Pau on Thursday.

Later on Saturday, Saint-Etienne travel to Paris FC, currently 19th in Ligue 2, while Nantes host Lyon in an all Ligue 1 clash.

bsp/nr

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Pulse News Agency International by AFP