Opposite destinies, while there was likely room for a closer, more uncertain rivalry. Here is Cannes, once again in the lead tonight, after going through an ocean of hardships to measure up against a solid Goal FC team at home.
With a slight lead over Nîmes – who will play in Andrézieux tomorrow to overtake – the Cannois have sent the expected signal: everything will be decided in the last two matchdays to determine who will climb to League 3, in the most competitive pool in the country, in the National 2 championship.
Coach Pierre Thimonier’s players were remarkable for their sobriety and solidarity at Coubertin
But do not think that Coach Chabert’s men carefully preserved these prospects amidst continuous domination. It was tough for them from start to finish in a match that the Rhodaniens, backed by a season-long solidarity confirmed by a four-gamed streak, ended up winning!
While their stay in National 2 is no longer in doubt, Coach Pierre Thimonier’s players were remarkable for their sobriety in Cannes, where others were bent much more heavily than them. A sign of a group that will finish their season on a very positive note.
In a festive atmosphere at Coubertin stadium, the debates were as tight as expected, erasing the Riviera stroll from the first leg (0-5) this winter, showing that this Goal FC side had real resources this season to hold their own against top table teams.
Djedid continues his good form…
For Cannes to retake the lead in the championship, it was necessary for Ndoye’s teammates to realize quickly that it would not be a walk in the park to defeat the Rhodaniens so far from their home.
With a prevailing verticality, a knack for counter-attacking well-used, Goal FC was already leading after fifteen minutes of play, without any doubt. Thus, Djedid’s strike under Vanni’s crossbar, at the near post, on a perfect Darriot cross, set the tone for the day: Goal FC would leave little room for the Cannois (0-1, 13th).
Although Cannes dominated possession afterward, they still had to wait till near halftime to equalize, with Noc finding Oggad’s powerful shot in the box to set their ambitions back in place (1-1, 40th).
However, this did not shake the Goalois’ spirits in the second half. Once they dealt with a tricky ten-minute spell where Marsella stood up to Abbas (47th) and Oggad (54th), the Chasselois were neck and neck with the future Ligue 3 contenders, almost all the time.
Abbas, the executioner of Goalois
Because it took an individual effort from Abbas in Marsella’s box to give Cannes a lead that they held onto till the end (2-1, 78th), with a slight doubt as Gerbeaud likely touched the ball with his hand during the action!
But Goal FC had a few opportunities, notably through Bargain, pushed forward, but couldn’t find the equalizer, five minutes from the end (85th)!
If the term “encouraging defeat” is often misused, the Rhodaniens’ expression near the Mediterranean tonight fits that description. “I’m very proud of my players’ spirit and effort,” emphasized Coach Pierre Thimonier rightfully after the match.
They still have two matchdays left to close out a successful season. With survival at stake. It’s not insignificant, in these moments when National 2 enters a new period, with even tougher competition than before.
