USL Dunkerque’s stunning victory over Stade Brestois to reach the Coupe de France semifinals marks a historic moment for the club, ending a 96-year wait for such glory.
On February 26, 2025, Dunkerque achieved the improbable, overturning a 2-0 deficit to clinch the match 3-2 at Stade Francis-Le Blé. The win propelled Dunkerque, the last standing team from Ligue 2, to the next phase of the competition, and raised hopes among the passionate supporters who turned out to witness this thrilling encounter.
Steeped in history, the Union Sportive du Littoral Dunkerque (USLD) has long yearned for this moment, the last semifinal appearance dating back to 1929. Head coach Luis Castro guided the team through this remarkable quest, emphasizing the collective effort and determination of his players. "C'est historique !" echoed the sentiments of the supportive crowd, clearly invested and eager to witness the continued rise of their team.
The match itself was nothing short of dramatic. Dunkerque fell behind early, with Brest demonstrating its Ligue 1 pedigree by scoring two goals within the first 61 minutes. Mathias Pereira Lage opened the scoring just before halftime, and Bendjaloud Youssouf seemingly put the game out of reach shortly after the break with his goal. Many feared the worst for Dunkerque at this stage.
But instead of folding under pressure, the Dunkerquois rallied. Their moment arrived at the 65th minute when team captain Vincent Sasso scored with a powerful header from a corner. This effort ignited new energy among the team and fans alike.
Hot on the heels of their first goal, Opa Sanganté, whose combative spirit has made him a favorite among fans, turned the tide completely. With two goals within five minutes, he delivered the knockout blows to the Brestois. His first came with a low shot to equalize, followed shortly by the match-winner, which sent the traveling Dunkerquois support—600 strong—into raptures.
"On y croit tous, tous derrière Dunkerque," shared one enthusiastic fan on social media, echoing the belief permeated throughout the stands. This blend of joy and disbelief represented the sentiments of many as they witnessed their team achieve the unimaginable.
Selçuk Demir, president of USLD, remained optimistic, stating: "On a éliminé à chaque fois des équipes qui avaient joué la Champions League."
Are they destined for something even bigger? The draw for the semifinals revealed Dunkerque's next challenge: set to face Paris Saint-Germain—current leaders of Ligue 1 and formidable opponents.
This upcoming match, scheduled for early April at home, is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, hoping to capitalize on the momentum from this historic win. Dunkerque supporters dream of securing a place in the grand final at the Stade de France, the pinnacle of their football aspirations.
Bearing down the hallowed turf, fans reflect on the legacy of their club, formed back in 1919. With players like Opa Sanganté, who represent not just the club but also the wider community—including his roots from Guinea Bissau—there’s more than just victory at stake; it’s about pride and identity. "Cette victoire est aussi pour la Guinée Bissau qui ne pouvait rêver meilleur représentant," notes the article reference, highlighting the broader narrative behind this local club's endeavors.
With every step Dunkerque takes toward potential glory, they continue to inspire not just their immediate community but also football fans across France. This season’s Coupe de France run has provided moments of joy and excitement likely to be long-remembered by both young and old.
Now, Dunkerque eyes PSG, ready to embrace the challenge of facing one of Europe’s giants. With the support of their loyal fans, the team feels anything but daunted. "On est prêt à jouer le PSG, les yeux dans les yeux," enthused Demir, fostering hopes of achieving the impossible once again.
For Dunkerque, reaching the semifinals is not merely about the title; it symbolizes resilience, unity, and the thrill of underdog triumphs. Whatever the outcome, they’ve already secured their place in the annals of Coupe de France history, making every fan proud to wear the Dunkerque colors.