Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace is set to clash with ES Thaon-les-Vosges as the draw for the 16th round of the Coupe de France pits the Ligue 1 squad against the National 3 side.
The announcement, made live on beIN Sports, revealed this encounter is scheduled for January 14, 15, or 16, 2024, and will take place at Thaon-les-Vosges.
The draw, conducted on Monday evening by judo champion Margaux Pinot and rugby player Henry Chavancy, positioned Strasbourg as traveling favorites. The Eastern club is coming off a confident win over Calais, which they dispatched 3-0. Meanwhile, ES Thaon delivered one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by knocking out L2 team Amiens with their 2-1 victory.
This matchup marks yet another round for Strasbourg against lower-tier opposition, as they previously faced and triumphed over another fifth division team. The goal for Strasbourg is clear: maintain momentum and avoid any complacency against dedicated amateur sides.
Historically, this will not be the first meeting between Thaon and Strasbourg, as the two sides have faced off before, albeit with Strasbourg's reserve team. Thaon secured a notable 2-1 victory when they played against Strasbourg's second string back in September. Currently, they sit at the tenth position within their National 3 group.
The stakes remain high for both teams as they prepare for this knockout stage. Strasbourg's focus will be on securing their spot to advance, learning from previous upsets, and recognizing the potential displayed by ES Thaon during their cup run.
The upcoming match not only gives Strasbourg another opportunity to showcase their talent but also presents Thaon with the spotlight to shine against one of the highest tiers of French football.
With both teams' recent performances on display, the focus remains on the style of play and tactical execution. Strasbourg aims to capitalize on their professional experience, whereas Thaon will look to leverage the home advantage and the likely support of their local fans.
For football fans, this encounter promises to be more than just another match—it's about passion, effort, and seizing the moment. The countdown to January is set, and as Strasbourg prepares for the visit to Thaon, we can expect both teams to give it their all on the pitch.
