The Monaco-based club produced an emphatic 8–1 semi-final victory over Hyères FC on Sunday, April 5, becoming the first District-level side to reach the final of the prestigious Mediterranean Cup.
Playing at Stade Didier-Deschamps in Cap-d’Ail, Marco Simone’s side swept aside Hyères FC, a team competing one division above them, with a performance of remarkable composure and attacking intent. The result continued one of the most impressive cup runs in recent regional football, with Monaco United having previously eliminated Rousset, a club playing two divisions above them, in the quarter-finals.
The opening half set the tone emphatically. Mia Lawrence was the standout performer, opening the scoring before quickly adding a second as Monaco United dominated possession and pinned their opponents back throughout. By the interval, the Monégasque side led 5–0 in what was described by the club as a near-flawless display.
The second half brought more of the same, with Simone rotating his squad while maintaining the same intensity. The final whistle confirmed an 8–1 win, a scoreline that underlined not only the result but the manner in which it was achieved.
“We are extremely proud of the journey we’ve made in the Mediterranean Cup,” said Simone, who serves as both president and head coach. “This final is a reward for the hard work, discipline, and ambition the club has shown since August. It marks an important step in our project.”
Monaco United will now face Olympique de Marseille Reserves in the final. Marseille’s reserve side competes in Division 3, two tiers above their opponents, making it the steepest challenge yet for a club that only began playing this season.
“Olympique de Marseille is a historic club in French football, and facing their reserve team in the final is a huge moment for us,” Simone acknowledged. “We know the level will be even higher, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.”
Attacker Sara Lakhssassi, returning from a minor injury and scoring twice as a substitute, reflected on the achievement: “Since the very first match, the goal has been to go all the way. I hope we will show our true face again in the final.”
The cup run adds to what is already a landmark season for the club. Monaco United have won the District 06 title and secured a place in the promotion play-offs, with a Coupe Marenco semi-final also still to come on 26 April in Cannes.
The occasion also carried significance off the pitch. Peace and Sport, an official club partner, attended the semi-final as part of their annual White Card awareness campaign, held each year ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6 April. The initiative, focused on the values of inclusion, togetherness and sport as a tool for social cohesion, was embraced by the club throughout the day.
“Our partnership with Peace and Sport is an honour, as we share the same core values,” said Simone. “We believe in the power of sport to make a positive impact on society.”
Image courtesy of Dylan Garino