The Reunion Islanders of Saint-Pierre come out "proud" of the Coupe de France

• JS Saint-Pierroise, the Petit Poucet of these 16th finals of the Coupe de France, was eliminated on Saturday at Epinal.
• Despite this 1-0 defeat, it was still a party in the stands with nearly a thousand supporters from Reunion.
• The players and the coach of the JSSP wanted to retain a certain pride despite the elimination. Their journey remains historic for an island team.

In Epinal,

What it would have been like in qualifying! Firecrackers, smoke bombs, songs, dances, invasion of land… The Reunion Islanders of the JS Saint-Pierroise left the Coupe de France with a festive air on Saturday in Epinal. Their supporters, almost a thousand, did not hold it against them. Especially after a defeat at the end of extra time (1-0, 118th) and after having held more than 100 minutes at 10 against 11.

The supporters of Saint-Pierre still sing after the elimination in #CoupeDeFrance #CDF a #Epinal #reunion pic.twitter.com/t0gg47NHUi

“It was hard but we believed it to the end. It is really not easy to lose like that, “reacts defender Alexandre Loricourt, on the verge of tears. "It's a shame to take a goal from a set kick because we had worked on them all week ...", adds his partner Gérard Huber, reviewing the scene. Either Adel Berkane beat at the far post and at close range goalkeeper Ibrahima Dabo, previously excellent.

"I have to tell the truth, I suck at penalties!" "

"Yes, I had a lot of work," laughs the latter, admitting that he already saw himself at the penalty shootout. Would he have been the hero? "I have to tell the truth, I suck at penalties!" But shooters can also shoot alongside and I have already stopped. "Not this time, therefore, but it will be illustrated with several high-level displays, when the Vosges were pushing.

With the premature exclusion of the Fontaine center-forward from the 14th minute, the meeting looked like an attack-defense session. "This game annoys me and has changed everything," admits JSSP coach Christian Dafreville, who was able to speak with the referee after the game. Eric Wattelier then explained to him that Abdoulaye Niang presented a "very deep notch" at the level of the left tibia when he left on a stretcher. He could not help but brandish the red card.

"Proud of my players"

"I'm still proud of my players," says the technician. We did not fail because they gave everything under difficult conditions. We made history by being the first club from Reunion in the 16th round of the Coupe de France. I also thank the public because if we had so much heart and courage, it is thanks to them. "

The entry of players for this 16th final of the #CoupeDeFrance between #Epinal and the players of the # Réunion de Saint-Pierre. Article to follow! pic.twitter.com/hgy06qSHdR

“We showed in previous rounds and still today a beautiful image of Reunion football. Our journey will be etched in our memories, ”adds Gérard Huber, expecting another warm welcome when they return to the island. Like when they had a star-worthy arrival after the previous round.

"I do not know if it will be the same, we lost anyway," pretends to wonder Ibrahima Dabo, before quickly recovering. "I hope they don't hold it against us too much." His partner Joé Damour, big brother of former pro Loïc, already has an idea for the future. “We will get back to work to do the same thing next year. "With, perhaps, a qualification in the round of 16 at the end. So what a party it will be ...

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