The seventh round draw of the French Cup or Coup de France set up two competitive fixtures for AS Dragon and Hienghène, with Dragon hosting fourth division Belfort and Hienghene drawn away to fifth division Poissy.
Belfort turned in an efficient performance in an evenly balanced Cup tie requiring a headed goal from a free-kick to snatch a 1-0 win and passage to the next round.
Hienghene’s task was more complicated with the New Caledonian outfit travelling to France to play Poissy, situated 30km away from Paris. Poissy, a club founded in 1904 under the industrial development of the region, proved to be a tough opponent, as expected.
Despite cold winter temperatures Hienghène competed well despite falling a goal behind. Fabiano Dahite gave the New Caledonians a lift when he equalised for Hienghène in the 56th minute but Poissy hit back just one minute later to retake the lead and ensure a 2-1 win.
Talented midfielder Roy Kayara was sorely missed and is likely to confirm his transfer to Team Wellington in New Zealand’s ASB Premiership competition.
Kayara becomes the first New Caledonian to play in New Zealand’s top flight and will line up alongside Solomon Islands international Henry Fa’arodo and All Whites capped Jacob Spoonley and Cole Peverley.
Coupe de France results:
Dragon 0-1 Belfort
Poissy 2-1 Hienghène
For full results, visit Federation Francaise de Football website Federation Francaise de Football website
More photos of Dragon vs Belfort, visit the Polynesie 1ere Facebook page

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