At the final whistle, the disappointment is palpable among the amateur players of Plessis-Robinson (R1). Ten minutes earlier, as we head into a penalty shootout this Saturday between the Hauts-de-Seine club and the Angers pros (leader of the L2) during the 8th round of the Coupe de France, Robinson goalkeeper Walter Percevaux is guilty of a hand fault on an innocuous strike from Adrien Hunou.
The dream of an achievement and a historic qualification for the 32nd finals, synonymous with the entry into contention of L1 clubs, has just passed. Angers finally won 2-1. Returning to the locker room, the goalkeeper is comforted by his teammates and also his opponents. “Personally, it’s complicated to accept because it’s a big mistake,” confides the man who works in construction. Half a second of loss of concentration and it is fatal to our position. I am disappointed and sad for my teammates because I would have liked us to go further in the competition. But we have to raise our heads. The Angevins were very classy, it’s nice. »
“We faced an enterprising and well-organized team with a coach who offers very interesting things. We expected a difficult match, we got it and we are very happy to have qualified,” underlines Angevin coach Alexandre Dujeux.
The 18-year-old striker, a Staps student, must revise his exams
In front of a thousand spectators and in torrential rain, the R1 team (6th division) held its own against the L2 leader, who presented a largely reworked team (a starter had participated in the match against Grenoble on Tuesday). The feat became possible thanks to a great start to the match symbolized by the goal of the youngest Louca Petiteaux, aged 18. “I’m disappointed because we would have liked to face an L1 in the next round, it was in the back of our minds,” admits the Staps student at the University of Orsay. This match still remains a great experience for the future. Competing against pros, playing in front of my family and friends… It was fantastic! »
The kid continues: “I have my exams on Monday. I have to study this evening but I don’t feel like it. We will see tomorrow. » At his side, Ousmane Sissoko appreciated the event for its true value. At 34, he played his first 8th round with his favorite club where he started playing football at the age of 6. “We gave everything and had fun on the pitch,” says the defender who works as a computer technician. I am satisfied that we brought pleasure to the spectators, that they were able to vibrate during the match. »
On Monday, the amateur players will return to training with the objective of quickly remaining in R1 (they occupy 7th place with one match in hand). But they will remember this meeting. “We started this great adventure in June during the 2nd round in Villeneuve-Ablon and today we didn’t come far from a magnificent feat,” says Julien Zenguinian, the coach since 2010. We are proud of the whole club who knew how to mobilize to have a great football celebration. And sportingly, we competed with Angers. It remains a very good Saturday despite the elimination. »
