PSG Women Triumph 2-1 Over Paris FC to Reach Coupe de France Final Despite Playing with Nine

Paris Saint-Germain's women's team secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Paris FC in a gripping Coupe de France semi-final match at Campus PSG in Poissy, advancing to the final under intense pressure. The match saw PSG contend with early adversity, falling behind due to an own goal by Elisa De Almeida in the 4th minute. However, 18-year-old Anaïs Ebaylin quickly restored parity for PSG with a well-placed goal from a corner in the 20th minute.

The game turned notably challenging for PSG when Griedge Mbock was shown a red card following a VAR decision in the 49th minute, reducing the team to ten players. Despite this numerical disadvantage, PSG managed to secure a decisive lead when Romée Leuchter converted a penalty in the 57th minute after a foul on captain Sakina Karchaoui.

PSG's trials escalated as Ornella Graziani received a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time, leaving the team to defend their slender lead with only nine players on the field. In spite of a lengthy 10-minute added time and intense pressure from Paris FC, PSG maintained their advantage to book a place in the final.

The team’s resilience and spirit received high praise, with Anaïs Ebaylin remarking, “A nine against eleven, it’s crazy, but we showed that we are PSG, and even in inferiority, we were the strongest.” Coach Paulo César highlighted the remarkable teamwork and determination exhibited, emphasizing the collective strength as PSG prepares to face either Strasbourg or Lyon in the final set for May 10.

This victory marks a continued dominance by PSG over Paris FC, who have yet to win a match against PSG since their women's team’s inception in 2017, enduring 23 consecutive defeats. PSG has notably improved from earlier in the season, having lost only one of their last twelve matches since January, a turnaround credited to a cohesive team spirit and the anticipated return of key players such as Jade Le Guilly.

Looking forward, PSG aims to capitalize on this momentum and enhance their season with the coveted Coupe de France trophy, which would be a significant achievement following last year's final loss to the same rival. Sakina Karchaoui admits the journey has been exhausting but remains hopeful about the team’s future prospects.