USC Corte came remarkably close to pulling off what would have been one of the biggest upsets of the Coupe de France when they faced the professional team OGC Nice on December 21, 2024. The match, held at Stade Armand Cesari, ended with the teams level at 1-1 after regulation time, leading to penalties where Nice secured victory 5-3. This thrilling encounter showcased the heart and determination of the amateur squad from Corte, who competed valiantly against their higher-ranked opponents.
The match started dramatically for Corte, as they found themselves under significant pressure from Nice early on. Within just three minutes, Corte’s goalkeeper Jacques-André Luciani committed a foul against Nice’s striker, Tanguy Ndombele, inside the penalty area, setting the stage for what seemed like a straightforward scoring opportunity for the Aiglons. To the shock of the crowd, Luciani heroically stopped the ensuing penalty taken by Sofiane Diop, which marked the beginning of what would be an unforgettable performance.
Despite the shaky start, it was USC Corte who shocked the audience by taking the lead. Just 11 minutes in, Fabio Perrotto delivered a well-placed free kick, which was met by Christopher Boussemart's header, finding the back of Nice’s net. The passionate crowd of nearly 5,000 supporters erupted as Corte went up 1-0. Luciani continued to shine as the match progressed, making incredible saves against multiple attempts from Nice, demonstrating skill and agility. He denied efforts from Jonathan Clauss and Laborde, among others, showcasing his resilience.
Things took another turn when Nice was reduced to ten men after defender Yaël Nandjou received his second yellow card, leaving his team at a numerical disadvantage just before halftime. Even with the advantage, Corte maintained their lead and went to the break buoyed by their performance.
But as the second half unfolded, Nice began to exert more control, and their efforts bore fruit at the 60-minute mark. Ndombele capitalized on disarray within Corte's defense, latching onto a rebound to equalize. The pressure mounted as both teams pushed for the winning goal, but neither could find the back of the net before the final whistle.
Having fulfilled the fixture, the drama escalated to penalties. Corte’s Perrotto hit the crossbar on their fourth attempt, which left them trailing. Nice managed to convert all their penalties, with Clauss sealing the deal for their progression to the next round. “We practiced our penalties, and thankfully we converted them under pressure,” expressed Nice coach Franck Haise, reflecting on the intense nature of the shootout.
A central figure of the match was undoubtedly Luciani, who, post-match, reflected: “Even at ten, you saw, they are machines,” acknowledging the undeniable prowess of the professionals but valuing his own team’s effort. His performance not only earned respect but also highlighted the spirit of amateur football on display.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, the players of USC Corte left the tournament with heads held high, their dignity intact. They had battled impressively against one of Ligue 1's giants, demonstrating their potential on national television and honoring the legacy of amateur football. “We gave it all, and we can be proud of this match,” echoed the sentiments of their coach, David Faderne.
This game served as another reminder of the magic of the Coupe de France, where lower-level teams often rise to the occasion against storied clubs. Although USC Corte’s run had come to an end, their performance echoed well beyond the scoreboard, creating memories and pride among their supporters and instilling hope for future competitions.
“It’s the charm of this competition,” said Haise, encapsulating not just the competitive spirit but the essence of shared dreams within French football, as both teams now turn their focus toward the upcoming challenges.
