After a commendable stint in this year’s Coupe de France, AS Monaco have been knocked out of the tournament by Nantes. The visiting Monegasques put up a fight at at La Beaujoire, but were ultimately defeated as the match ended 4-2 in penalties.
Monaco made the first impact on the scoreline at the 12th minute, as defender Maripan headed a ball in from a free kick courtesy of Vanderson.
However, a counter attack on another Monegasque offensive saw Djibril Sidibe score an unfortunate own goal, equalising at the 21st minute.
The scoreline remained level going into halftime, and it would remain that way until the 74th minute, as Samuel Moutoussamy gave home supporters hope with a goal. Now 2-1 down, the Principality side’s players did not wast much time in equalising again.
It would be Vanderson who would provide another deep and decisive pass to his teammates, this time though it would be Myron Boadu who would score with his head, equalising two minutes later at the 76th minute.
With the score standing at 2-2 at full time, the match advanced to penalties. Wissam Ben Yedder was the first to shoot for Monaco, but was unable to score. Axel Disasi was next up, and offered Monaco a moment of hope by scoring, but Aurélien Tchouaméni was unsuccessful in his attempt on goal.
Kevin Volland scored thereafter, but Nantes had scored all four of their penalty kicks and subsequently won the shootout by 4-2. With that, Monaco’s 2022 Coupe de France campaign comes to an end, while Nantes advance to the finals of the competition to face off against Nice.
Monaco will return to the task of climbing back up the Ligue 1 table, as they will face off against second place Marseille away on Sunday, March 6.
Featured image courtesy of AS Monaco