AS Monaco narrowly avoided a major upset in the French Cup on Saturday, January 10, 2026, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory over third-tier US Orleans despite playing over 45 minutes with only ten men.
Monaco's Gritty Victory in Orleans
Struggling for form in Ligue 1 with no wins since November, Monaco entered the French Cup round of 32 clash under significant pressure. The situation worsened as they were without ten key first-team players. From the start, the depleted side looked nervous and failed to control the game against their spirited lower-league opponents.
Orleans created and wasted a couple of promising early chances. Against the run of play, Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock for Monaco after 27 minutes, converting one of their few opportunities. The match's complexion changed dramatically just before halftime when Monaco's Stanis Idumbo Muzambo received a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten men.
Late Flurry Seals Qualification
Forced to defend deeply in the second half, Monaco survived several scares. The crucial breakthrough came from the bench in the 88th minute. Nineteen-year-old substitute George Ilenikhena, who had replaced goalscorer Balogun, found the net to double Monaco's lead. He struck again just four minutes into added time, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.
Orleans managed a late consolation goal through Fahd El Khoumisti two minutes later, but it was too little, too late. After the final whistle, a relieved Monaco coach Sebastien Pocognoli praised his team's spirit. "The main thing was to qualify. The spirit of the team, playing 10 against 11, was remarkable," he said.
Shootout Drama in Angers
In another French Cup fixture on Saturday, a clash between two Ligue 1 sides, Toulouse and Angers, was decided by a penalty shootout. The match had ended 1-1 in regular time.
Toulouse took the lead in the 47th minute through a goal from Santiago Hidalgo, following a long throw from defender Mark McKenzie. Angers fought back and levelled the score deep into added time with a penalty converted by Amine Sbai.
The shootout saw Toulouse goalkeeper Kjetil Haug emerge as the hero. He saved Angers' second and seventh penalty attempts. Although McKenzie missed Toulouse's first spot-kick, his teammates were flawless afterwards, securing their passage to the next round.
Postponement Due to Weather
The day's other scheduled match between Ligue 1 leaders Lens and third-tier Sochaux was postponed because of heavy snowfall, disrupting the French Cup schedule.
