On this “clasico” day, a completely different derby was on the program in the Coupe de France. The Red Star needed to go as far as penalties to emerge victorious from the Ile-de-France clash against FC Versailles in this 6th round of the Coupe de France (1-1, 5-4 on pens). The team led by Habib Beye, who remained on 3 games without a win in National 1, can thank their goalkeeper William Avognan, author of the only stoppage of the penalty shootout, against Pierre Gibaud. In the process, it was Alioune Fall who concluded the victory for his team by signing the winning penalty.
A victory in the Coupe de France which allows Red Star to revive after a not really convincing start to the season in the league (7th, 3 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses in 9 games). Habib Beye’s men will be able to aim, like last year, to go until the 32nd finals where they failed against AS Monaco (0-2).
For the promoted from Yvelines – at home but on neutral ground this Sunday at the Michel-Hidalgo Stadium in Sannois (Val-d’Oise) – it’s a real setback after their semi-final in the 2022 edition. (defeat against Nice 0-2). The absence of the two former Ligue 1 players Matthieu Dossevi and Fabien Lemoine did not help, as did the Dutchman Jeremain Lens, who remained on the bench throughout the game. Current 3rd in Nationale 1 with 3 points behind the head, Versailles can continue to aim for a second consecutive climb.
A very hooked derby
At the end of regulation time, the two Ile-de-France clubs parted back to back (1-1) after a rhythmic meeting. As planned before the match, this derby between the historical club of the region, and the new wealthy Versailles, could only be tight. The Red Star had first taken the lead in the 3rd minute on an opposing error. Damien Durand did not hesitate to take over the offering of the opposing defense, in the last 30 meters to go and crucify the Versailles goalkeeper.
Just before half-time, the current 7th National returned the favor to FC Versailles with a “magnificent” goal against his side. On a cross from the left, Red Star captain Loïc Kouagba cleared the ball directly into the top corner into his own goal.
After an equally committed second half, Habib Beye’s team thought they could find the fault in the last moments of the game. In the 86th minute, Jovany Ikanga, well launched from deep, dribbled past the opposing goalkeeper, before finally narrowly missing to finish against the half-empty goal.
Without extra time, the two teams met for the fateful penalty session. A few minutes later, Habib Beye’s players were able to celebrate their victory (5-4) with the dozens of supporters who had made the trip. Much more than a 6th round of the Coupe de France, it was a question of supremacy in the region which was being played at the Stade Michel-Hidalgo this afternoon.