Jeunesse Esch lift Luxembourger Cup

Sanel Ibrahimović was the match winner as last year's runners-up, AS Jeunesse Esch, won their 13th Luxembourger Cup, edging a close encounter to record a 2-1 win against FC Differdange 03.

It had been 28 years since these two teams last met in the cup final and, after a balanced affair in the opening minutes, Ibrahimović shocked Differdange's fans in the Stade Josy Barthe by firing in two goals in two minutes midway through the first half.

Undeterred, Differdange increased the pressure on their opponents and, after creating a pair of decent opportunities, they reaped the rewards from their attacking impetus when Geoffrey Franzoni converted a 37th-minute penalty.

Differdange came forward in droves after the break, desperately searching for an equaliser. Omar Er Rafik had the best of several good chances with ten minutes to go, but was denied by Jeunesse keeper Marc Oberweis. There was tension until the last, with Differdange wreaking havoc at an added-time corner, but Esch stood firm to celebrate their first cup victory since 2000. The triumph brings with it a place in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.