Football (Regional 3): Cazes

In confidence, the Cazéens did not tremble too much against their neighbors who still held their own but succumbed in the second period. The long-awaited derby at Stade Marcel-Mazet, Golfech, was finally played under clear skies and a good turnout on Saturday night, with the undefeated and top-ranked Cazéens facing visitors in the lower half of the table, still unsure of their survival. Initially, Jérémy Petit’s players adapted better to the conditions, creating two chances that were saved by Paul Engelibert. It wasn’t until the end of the first quarter of an hour that Cazéens, led by captain Geoffrey Castella, took control and opened the score with a goal from Théo Poirrier (37th minute). The game was balanced, sometimes intense, but always fair under the guidance of the excellent referee trio. There wasn’t much more to report until halftime.

Confluences resist, then yield

CO coach Yoann Choudjaye made it clear to his players that they needed to be more vigilant to avoid giving hope to their opponents. Just four minutes later, following a high recovery in midfield by Killyann Audegond, Mathis Allard, and Dorian Raynal, Lamin Koob resisted a duel and scored two goals to give the Reds and Whites a two-goal lead (68th minute). Hindered by the absence of several starters, the visitors could only rely on their courage against solid and determined Cazéens. A free kick from 25 meters, obtained by Adem Zaoui, was expertly put away by Jérémy Bruel under the crossbar (77th minute). The coach then brought in substitutes who each had their chances. Meanwhile, local full-backs Medhi Zaoui and Corentin Delperie thwarted all Moissac offensive attempts. The last quarter-hour saw some tension; after the expulsion of a Moissac director, Alassane Laye Ndoye was also sent off with a second yellow card. Romain Paillas tried to conclude the offensive display with a lob that just missed. Dorian Raynal would be the one to seal the offensive performance. A great victory for CO, reclaiming the top spot from US Albi, who were held to a draw against Montauban.

CAZESMONDENARD 5 FC CONFLUENCES 1

HALFTIME: 1-0; referees: Mr. Dorian Arreghini, assisted by Mr. Mohamed Moutii, and Mickaël Milhone.
Winners: Théo Poirrier (37), Lamin Koob (56, 68), Jérémy Bruel (77), Dorian Raynal (88).
Losers: Edouar Kamano (60).
CAZES OLYMPIQUE. Team details listed. Coach: Yoann Choudjaye.
Warning: Lamin Koob (85).
FC CONFLUENCES. Team details listed. Coach: Jérémy Petit.
Warnings: Alassane Lane Ndoye (25), Edouar Kamano (30), Ramzan Zakaev (65), Anthony Dionso (75); expulsions: Bernard Ficorella (staff, 25), Alassane Laye Ndoye (78, second yellow card).