In the quarter-finals of the U17 Championnat National, Paris Saint-Germain's youngsters ran out 3-2 winners over Nantes on Sunday at the Stade Georges Lefèvre – despite playing with ten men for the whole of the second half.
THE STARTING XI
Nkounkou - N. El Hannach (Michut, 62'), Delest, Doucouré (c), Cordier - Tchicamboud (Mukelenge, 82'), E. Mbappé (Adonis, 48'), Diawara - Zague, Housni, Etonde.
THE STORY OF THE GAME
Just like in the U19s' match, the ball found the net early on, but this time, it was for Les Canaris (0-1, 5'). The young Parisians weren't disheartened, though, and quickly drew level through Ilyès Housni, who was perfectly set up by Romaric Etonde (1-1, 10').
Les Rouge et Bleu then took the lead thanks to Etonde, having been played into space by Yoram Zague (2-1, 21'). Despite being pushed and shoved around by the visitors, Sékou Doucouré and co. showed surgical precision in attack, as demonstrated by their third goal, scored by Zague (3-1, 43').
After the restart, Les Titis found themselves a man down when one of their own was sent off for an unsportsmanlike foul. Naturally, Nantes then enjoyed the majority of possession and forced Desthy Nkounkou, who was imperial on his goal line, into some fine saves. The chances were now coming thick and fast for the visitors, but Paris Saint-Germain's youngsters managed to stick together to delay their opponents getting a goal back (3-2, 87').
Les Titis held on to secure their place in the semi-finals, as demonstrated by one last heroic save from Nkounkou, pushing away a shot from point-blank range in the final minute of the game.
THE NEXT MATCH
In the next round, Les Rouge et Bleu will travel to Borgo, Corsica, where they will face Toulouse. The semi-finals are set to take place on Saturday 28th May.