Last-gasp Cissé sends Auxerre through

A goal from Djibril Cissé a minute into injury time gave AJ Auxerre a 2-1 win against Stade Rennais FC and a place in the Coupe de France final.

Late winner
With the semi-final seemingly heading for extra time, Cissé scored his second of the match as the ball looped off Rennes defender Dominique Arribagé and, with goalkeeper Petr Cech misjudging its flight, the France international striker was left with a simple finish.

Cissé opener
Cissé had earlier given Auxerre the lead four minutes before half-time, getting on the end of a long ball forward from Philippe Mexes and holding off two Rennes defenders to beat Cech and open the scoring.

Sorlin equalises
However, Rennes equalised two minutes past the hour as a loose ball, after Mexes had tackled Frédéric Piquionne, was picked up by Philippe Delaye, who crossed for Olivier Sorlin to score at the far post.

Cool under pressure
Rennes striker Toifilou Maoulida was sent off after 76 minutes, but his side came close to causing an upset six minutes from time, as Sorlin’s shot forced Auxerre goalkeeper Fabian Cool to make a crucial save.

Second semi-final
The second semi-final, between Paris Saint-Germain FC and FC Girondins de Bordeaux on Sunday, will determine who faces Auxerre in the cup final at the Stade de France on 31 May.