PARIS, March 3: Nantes reached the French Cup final for the first time in 22 years by beating Monaco on penalties Wednesday after an exciting game finished in a 2-2 draw.
Nigeria winger Moses Simon scored the decisive spot kick to make it 4-2 in the shootout and spark a pitch invasion at Stade de la Beaujoire as jubilant Nantes fans celebrated in a good-natured atmosphere.
Nantes coach Antoine Kombouare’s side is on course for a first trophy since winning the cup in 2000.
Nantes will aim to win it for the fourth time when it faces Nice on May 8 at Stade de France.
Monaco’s missed penalties came from France internationals Wissam Ben Yedder – the regular penalty taker and the league’s top scorer – and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Monaco defender Guillermo Maripan headed the visitors ahead in the 12th minute from Caio Henrique’s free kick.
But Nantes equalized midway through the first half when Monaco right back Djibril Sidibe scored into his own net.
German goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel was helpless in the 74th when Samuel Moutoussamy stroked the ball in after a scramble in the penalty area.
Monaco scored straight from the restart when Nantes goalkeeper Remy Descamps hesitated to come out for a cross, and substitute Myron Boadu headed in. (AP)
