Football (Pyrenees Cup): Bayonne Crusaders fall with honors against Asmur

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Marc Le Moel, coach of Bayonne Cross: “We had the clearest opportunities. The result was decided by small details, but we must not forget that we play one division below Asmur. I am proud of what the team produced. It was a test for us, we wanted to see if we could compete against a strong team from Regional 1. It is an encouraging match for the future.”

Three years after defeating this same opponent, the Outsiders from Labourdins wanted to play their chance to the fullest. Like in any respectable final, both teams start cautiously. However, Bayonne Cross will dominate the first half, attempting various combinations, long-range shots, and multiple crosses, met by untargeted headers. Fouled by the defense, Iralour Etcheverry earns a penalty, which Gounin fails to convert. Against the flow of play, Asmur manages to score first with a bizarre goal from Lagui just before halftime (1-0, 43rd minute).

Bayonne keeps pushing

As soon as they return from halftime, Bayonne tries to respond. Found perfectly at the penalty spot by Coloneaux, Iralour Etcheverry sees his header just miss the goal by a few centimeters (46th minute). Marc Le Moel’s team continues to show their offensive ambitions but struggles to find the back of the net against the solid Couralis in goal.

The difference in division does not show in this match, as the Basques keep attacking in the opposing half against Asmur, who tries to double the lead on counterattacks. Ultimately, Bayonne fails to score and loses with honor by the slightest margin (1-0). This leaves room for hope for the end of the championship.