Canary youth movement

USM Saran 0, FC Nantes 3.

Saran is a suburb of Orleans and as was the case when Vertou hosted Nantes, the suburban team felt that their regular home ground would not have sufficient seating capacity for this game against a storied opponent. The game was moved to the big stadium in the city proper. Approximately 5,000 were in attendance for the game at the home ground of the Orleans club.

Earlier in the week team manager Michel Der Zakarian had been quoted as saying that Nantes had to use their speed to destabilize the lower league side and obviously Nantes was successful in doing so. Nantes was missing many players due to injury and suspension and Der Zakarian had to call on the youth of the organization. Five of the Nantes eleven were call ups from the Nantes reserves, including both forwards and the keeper. The reserves are mostly young players who usually are being groomed for future service with the senior team. Given this early opportunity and exposure the youth were sensational. Reserve team striker Ima Faneva Andriatsima found the back of the net in the 20th minute to stake Nantes to a half time lead of 0-1. The two young forwards produced many opportunities and eventually scored again as the third Nantes goal was scored by teenage sensation Youcef Sekour. The 19 year old Sekour again proved his mettle with his third goal in two games since joining the senior side.

Elsewhere in Coupe de France action, Paris FC also advanced to the round of 64. The teams of Ligue 1 enter the draw at this stage which means that the possibility exists, although remote, that Paris FC could draw as its opponent in this round the current Ligue 1 relegation zone habitant, Paris Saint Germain.

The draw for the next round is to be held Monday.