The bottom of Ligue 1 is off to a good start in 2024. Clermont defeated Metz on Friday in a 32nd final of the Coupe de France between elite clubs (1-1, 1-3 tab). If Sadibou Sané opened the scoring nicely for the Lorraines (22nd), the Auvergnats reacted to the restart and equalized through Jim Allevinah (49th). Their unusual goalkeeper Masamba Ndiaye made the difference during the fateful session by repelling three shots on goal.
Under the eyes of Georges Mikautadze, back on loan at Metz but not yet qualified for this resumption meeting, it was the Clermontois who made the best start by seizing the ball. The visitors, however, failed to get a good lead. They were also exposed to the rapid transitions of very sharp Messins. Malick Mbaye, Cheikh Sabaly, Kévin N’Doram (11th) and Benjamin Tetteh (14th) took the Auvergne defense from behind without succeeding in finding the target.
Sané seizes his chance
Served in the axis 20 meters from the left by Arthur Atta, Sané had no trouble aiming. He opened his right foot and sent the ball into the right corner of Ndiaye (1-0, 22nd). The 19-year-old Senegalese who only played 45 minutes during the first part of the L1 season gave an insight into his talent. The Lorraines, however, made the mistake of not pushing to make the break as quickly as possible.
Despite the injury exit of Muhammed Cham (33rd) and a real lack of aggression, Clermont was able to calmly get his foot back on the ball. Long harmless, Pascal Gastien’s players slowly gained momentum at the end of the first period. Allevinha was caught at the last minute in the opponent’s area (42nd) then Shamar Nicholson placed a nice cross shot just off the target (45th).
Successful first for Ndiaye
The trend was confirmed upon recovery. The Messins returned the ball badly in front of their area and Maxime Gonalons took the opportunity to serve Allevinah whose shot from the penalty spot left Alexandre Oukidja no chance (1-1, 48th). Put back in the right direction by their Gabonese, the Clermontois held the ball in the camp of opponents who were slow to react.
Undecided until the end despite a last quarter of an hour, the opposition of styles did not find a winner in regulation time. Allevinah put CF63 on the right track by scoring the first shot on goal, Ndiaye took over by repelling those of Joel Asoro and Maxime Colin. A usual understudy, the 2m02 goalkeeper once again stood up to Koffi Kouao and offered his team qualification. Unlike last year, Clermont will be there for the round of 16. This will not be the case for Metz which confirms its difficulties after four consecutive losses in the championship.