Bordeaux sink Évian to claim French Cup

A last-gasp goal from Cheick Diabaté secured FC Girondins de Bordeaux their fourth French Cup with a 3-2 victory against Évian Thonon Gaillard FC at the Stade de France.

Diabaté opened the scoring after 39 minutes but missed a penalty after the break and Évian took advantage to level through Yannick Sagbo. Henri Saivet quickly gave Bordeaux the lead for a second time but parity was again restored through Brice Dja Djédjé and the contest appeared destined to end 2-2 until Diabaté struck in the final minute.

The last game of the French season proved a thrilling contest with Francis Gillot's men striking first when Mariano's through ball released Diabaté, who beat Bertrand Laquait from close range. The showpiece appeared to be turning in Évian's favour when Laquait denied the Mali striker his second goal from the penalty spot and three minutes later the hoardes of pink-clad fans were ecstatic when Sagbo converted a Daniel Wass cross.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Grégory Sertic's diverted free-kick fell perfectly for Henri Saivet two minutes later. The Alps' side had eliminated Paris Saint-Germain FC on penalties in the quarter-finals and they appeared destined for a similar showdown to decide the final after Dja Djédjé's leveller 20 minutes to time only for Nicolas Maurice-Belay's sublime flick to allow Diabaté to seal Bordeaux first Coupe de France success since 1987.

"It was a very, very tough game against a great team," said Diabaté. "Credit to our team though who kept believing in themselves after I missed the penalty. I knew I would have another chance before the end." ETG coach Pascal Dupraz was proud of his players, who finished nine places and 15 points behind their opponents in Ligue 1."I think that we brought honour to this competition tonight," he said.