Travelling to Laval in the Gambardella round of 64, the Rouge et Noir were serious and diligent. Determined from the outset, the Bretons quickly found the net with a goal from Mohamed Kader Meïté, who was in full attacking mode. The home side reacted quickly to equalise, but without destabilising Mohamed Chebbi's team-mates, who scored the 2-1 winner just before half-time.
A brace for Mohamed Kader Meïté
Rennais then made the difference. Mohamed Kader Meïté, the captain of the Rennes team, took charge of the third goal (3-1). The Rouge et Noir conceded a second goal (3-2) before holding firm as a team to seal qualification. With victories at Stade Briochin and then Stade Lavallois, William Stanger's team have booked their place in the next round.
Line-up : Akabou ; Gbeme, Nsiala, Lomet, Ake, Chebbi, Ledain, Loufoundou, Rosier, Coulibaly, Meïté (c)
William Stanger's reaction: "In this competition, there are no easy matches. The main thing is to have qualified, even if we had a few scares. Overall, we're pleased, especially with the character we showed. I'd like to thank the fans who turned up, because we want to take the whole Red and Black community with us. Their support makes all the difference."
