Angers reach ‘dream’ 1st French Cup final in 60 years

Angers, France: Angers returned to the French Cup final for the first time since their only other appearance 60 years ago with a 2-0 semi-final victory over Guingamp on Tuesday. “We had said that getting to the final would be a dream — the key word was turning that into a reality, and we did it with all the emotion and joy that produces,” said Angers coach Stephane Moulin. “And I told the lads tonight that they knew how to be happy and render others happy — that’s the most wonderful thing in life. “We’ve wiped out 60 years absence from the French Cup final — that’s pretty exceptional.” Thomas Mangani opened the scoring for the hosts at a packed out Raymond Kopa stadium seven minutes before half-time. Winners in 2009 and 2014, Guingamp were offered a lifeline two minutes from time when Cheikh Ndoye was controversially penalised for a non-existant handball in the area. But goalkeeper Alexandre Letellier saved Jimmy Briand’s penalty and Karl Toko Ekambi sealed the win in injury time.— AFP