Paris FC Clinches Coupe de France Final berth, Ending 20-Year Drought
paris FC delivered a decisive performance, securing a 2-1 victory over Le Havre at the Océane stadium in front of a roaring crowd of over 4,000 fans. This win propels Sandrine soubeyrand’s squad into the Coupe de France final, marking their first appearance in the championship match in two decades. Paris FC, currently third in D1 arkema, demonstrated their dominance against le Havre, who sit ninth, having already defeated them twice in league play this season with commanding scores of 8-0 and 2-0. This victory underscores Paris FC’s ambition to capture the coveted title, a feat they haven’t achieved since their triumph over Lyon in 2005.
The meaning of this achievement cannot be overstated.It’s been 20 years since Paris FC, then known as FCF Juvisy, last reached the final, a memorable victory against Lyon decided by penalties (5-4 after a 1-1 draw). Current coach Sandrine Soubeyrand, a player on that 2005 team, remembers the pressure of that moment, even though she missed her penalty kick. Back then, the competition was known as the Challenge de France female. For American sports fans, imagine the Boston Red Sox finally breaking the Curse of the Bambino – that’s the kind of weight this victory carries for Paris FC.
𝑶𝑵 𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑬𝑵 😍😍
20 years later, our Parisian women are back in the final of the French Cup by overcoming a stunning team from
@hac
! 💙
What team 🥰
🔵⚪
#CertifiedParis
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#Hacpfc
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— Paris FC Féminines (@PFC_feminines)
March 7, 2025
despite facing moments of pressure in the first half, Paris FC capitalized on their opportunities. Kessya Bussy played a pivotal role, first extending the lead with a header off a deflection from Deja Davis (0-1, 13th minute), and then providing the assist for a stunning goal by Gaëtane Thiney (0-2, 33rd minute). However, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nadonzie was called into action, making a crucial save when Ikram Adjabi’s powerful strike from 25 meters hit the crossbar (30th minute). This sequence highlights the fine margins that often define high-stakes matches.
In the second half, coach Soubeyrand strategically managed the game, making early substitutions to bring fresh legs onto the field. Melween Ndongala, Margaux Le Mouël, and Clara Mateo were replaced by Mathilde Bourdieu, Kaja Korošec, and Maëlle Garbino. However, an unplanned substitution occurred when Thea Greboval was forced off the field due to injury, a potential setback as they prepare to face PSG on Saturday, March 15, at the Poissy campus. The extent of Greboval’s injury remains uncertain, but her absence could impact the team’s defensive stability against a formidable opponent.
The final minutes of the match were filled with tension for the Parisian side. After Madelline Roth narrowed the score (1-2, 84th minute), Fiona laigre made a critical goal-line clearance (88th minute) to prevent Le Havre from equalizing and keep Paris FC’s qualification hopes alive. Following seven minutes of added time, the team could finally celebrate their hard-fought victory. Paris FC has finally overcome their French Cup semi-final hoodoo, having been eliminated in 10 of their previous 11 attempts. At 39, Gaëtane Thiney, the captain of Paris FC, is set to play in her first French Cup final, a testament to her enduring career and leadership.
Looking ahead, if PSG wins their semi-final match against Saint-Etienne this Saturday (15th), the Coupe de France final will be an all-Parisian affair. The final is scheduled to take place on May 3 at the Epic Stadium in Calais. A Paris FC versus PSG final would be a blockbuster event,akin to a Los Angeles dodgers versus Los Angeles Angels World Series – a clash of local titans with national implications. This potential matchup promises high drama and intense competition, further elevating the profile of women’s soccer in France and beyond.
Paris FC Clinches Coupe de France Final Berth After Two Decades
Table of Contents
Paris FC has secured a momentous victory, earning their spot in the Coupe de France final after a 20-year absence. their 2-1 triumph over Le Havre has ignited excitement among fans and marked a notable milestone for the team.
Paris FCS Decisive win Over Le Havre
In a thrilling match at the Océane stadium, Paris FC showcased their prowess, defeating Le Havre with a final score of 2-1. The crowd of over 4,000 enthusiastic fans witnessed a display of skill and determination from Sandrine Soubeyrand’s squad. This victory is notably significant as it places Paris FC in the Coupe de France final, a stage they haven’t reached in two decades. The team’s strong performance against Le Havre, who are currently ninth in D1 Arkema, highlights their dominance, having already secured two league wins against them this season by ample margins (8-0 and 2-0).
The win highlights Paris FC’s commitment too the championship, especially since their last victory was against Lyon in 2005.
| match Details | Result |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Le Havre vs. Paris FC |
| Score | 1-2 (Paris FC Victory) |
| Location | Océane stadium |
| attendance | Over 4,000 fans |
A Look Back: The Meaning of the Achievement
This victory resonates deeply with the club’s history. The last time Paris FC, then known as FCF Juvisy, reached the final was in 2005. On that occasion, they clinched the title against Lyon after a penalty shootout (5-4) following a 1-1 draw. Sandrine Soubeyrand, current coach, played on the championship team.
This achievement holds special significance for the team and its supporters. For American sports enthusiasts, it can be compared to the Boston Red Sox breaking the “Curse of the Bambino” – a watershed moment in the club’s history.
Key Moments and Player Performances
despite some frist-half pressure, Paris FC capitalized on its opportunities to build a strong lead.The team showed exceptional teamwork, with Kessya Bussy playing a crucial role by scoring with a header off a deflection from Deja Davis in the 13th minute. Soon after, gaëtane Thiney contributed with a stunning goal off an assist by Kessya Bussy.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nadonzie played his part in key moments, making a crucial save when Ikram Adjabi’s shot from 25 meters hit the crossbar in the 30th minute.
Impact of Injuries and Tactical Shifts
In the second half, Coach Soubeyrand executed strategic changes to refresh the team. Mathilde Bourdieu,kaja Korošec,and Maëlle Garbino entered the field,replacing Melween Ndongala,Margaux Le Mouël,and Clara Mateo. Unfortunately, an unplanned substitution was forced when Thea Greboval was injured, just before a match with PSG on March 15.
The substitution leaves doubt about the team’s defensive stability ahead of facing PSG.
The Road to the Final: Triumphs and Challenges
The final moments of the match were intense, especially after Madeline Roth’s goal for le Havre in the 84th minute (1-2). Fiona Laigre made a vital goal-line clearance in the 88th minute to keep Paris FC’s hopes alive. After seven minutes of added time to close the match, the team finally secured their hard-fought victory.
Paris FC has overcome its semi-final struggles, having been eliminated 10 times in the previous 11 attempts. At 39, Gaëtane thiney, the team’s captain for paris FC, is set to appear in her first French Cup final.
The Potential All-Parisian Final and future prospects
If PSG defeats Saint-Etienne this Saturday (March 15) in their semi-final, the Coupe de France final could be an all-Paris affair. the championship is scheduled for May 3 at the Epic Stadium in Calais.
This rivalry is a potential blockbuster event. this match up could be similar to a sports rivalry like the Los Angeles Dodgers versus Los Angeles Angels’ World Series: a clash of two titans with national implications, promising high drama and further increasing the profile of women’s soccer in France and globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is the significance of Paris FC reaching the Coupe de France final?
This is a major achievement for Paris FC,marking their return to the final after a 20-year absence.The victory signifies a comeback and a chance to win the championship.
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who are some key players for Paris FC?
Kessya Bussy, Gaëtane Thiney, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nadonzie are key players.
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Who is the coach of Paris FC?
Sandrine Soubeyrand, who played on the 2005 winning team, is the current coach.
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What is the potential matchup for the Coupe de France final?
If PSG wins their semi-final match, the final will be an all-Paris affair, with a highly anticipated clash between Paris FC and PSG.
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When is the Coupe de France final scheduled?
The final is scheduled for May 3 at the Epic Stadium in Calais.
