Logic prevailed at La Piverdière on Sunday. Facing Fleury, a first division team, the Red and Blacks were unable to pull off an upset and saw their adventure come to an end in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France.
Solid and focused, David Mounivong's players held out for more than twenty minutes before conceding their first goal, then a second a few moments later. Trailing 2-0 at half-time, SRFC still had reason to believe, given the attacking opportunities they had created in the first half. Unfortunately, Rennes' hopes were quickly dashed after the break, with their opponents making it 3-0 in the 55th minute, before adding two more goals at the end of the match.
Ranked among the 32 best women's teams in France, the Red and Blacks have achieved a landmark run in the history of the women's section. Well done!
Lucie Forest, SRFC captain: "It was a difficult match against a team that was superior to us in every way, both technically and athletically. 5-0 is tough, but that's the game, and we're proud of our run in the Coupe de France. There are still lots of positives to take away from this. I think we defended well together and were a solid unit. Obviously there were weaknesses in this match, otherwise we wouldn't have conceded five goals, but I'm happy to see that the team kept fighting until the end. "
David Mounivong, SRFC coach: " Fleury fully deserved this victory. They were dominant and made us run. They also showed us respect by fielding players who usually play in the first division. I think the girls responded well in terms of courage and passion, refusing to give up. These are the values we were also looking for in this match. It's been quite a journey, and we should be proud of that. Today, the adventure comes to an end against a stronger opponent, and I'm extremely proud of the girls who gave their all for 90 minutes. We had a crowd of 1,000 people for the match against Guingamp in November, and the same again today. It's a real success for Stade Rennais and its women's section."
Romain Danzé, Director of the Women's Section: "The task was too great for us today. But we must remember the girls' performance and the experience they gained in this match. We created a great event this afternoon with nearly 1,000 supporters present at La Piverdière. This match will help the team grow, but also the Women's Section as a whole. It's a milestone for a section that is still in its infancy. We are among the 32 best teams in France, which is no small feat. We are making a name for ourselves in French women's football."
Match sheet
Last 32 - Coupe de France
Stade Rennais F.C. / F.C. Fleury 91 : 0-5
Goals : Ewelina Kamczyk (21e, 79e), Monique Ngock (23e), Shana Chossenotte (55e), Hillary Diaz (90e+2) for Fleury.
Line-up: Nine Conan – Léa Gernigon, Enora Guillois, Elen Roux, Lucie Forest, Perrine Josse, Safia Tall, Camille Lepaisant, Océane Le Goff Ringenbach, Marine Garcia, Laura Lesne.
Substitutes: Loan Le Courtois, Bleuenn Mury, Anaïs Pautrel, Candice Richou, Yse Valais.
