Auxerre sneak into last four
Sunday, March 16, 2003
Article summary
AJ Auxerre beat AS Angoulême-Charente 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the French Cup.
Article body
AJ Auxerre beat third-division AS Angoulême-Charente 92 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the French Cup.
Strong challenge
Auxerre join Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Stade Rennais FC, who made it to the last four on Saturday. The Burgundy side, banking on the Cup to secure a European berth next season, overcame a strong challenge from a solid Angoulême for 120 minutes as the two sides were locked in a goalless draw after extra time.
Crucial misses
But Angoulême's Christophe Forest and Richard Massolin missed with their efforts from the penalty spot while Auxerre converted four goals to snatch the win. Guy Roux's team dominated for most of the match, with international striker Djibril Cissé and winger Khalilou Fadiga threatening, but they failed to break the hosts' brave defence.
Last four
Angoulême had the best chance to score when Frederic Clement forced goalkeeper Fabien Cool into a dramatic save 20 minutes from time. On Saturday, Rennes struggled to beat fifth-division Schiltigheim SC 2-1 thanks to two goals in the last 30 minutes, while Ronaldinho inspired PSG to a hard-earned 1-0 win over third-division FC Martigues. Bordeaux, led by Brazilian Savio, eliminated Cup holders FC Lorient 2-0 at home.