The U18 get their qualification!

It was in the cold of winter that Les Verts kicked off their Gambardella Cup adventure. Warned by recent editions marked by early elimination, Frédéric Dugand's players knew that defeating ASPTT Dijon would not be easy. The first half confirmed this. Although Sonny Yvars was the first to take his shot (13th minute), opportunities were rare for both sides. Only Tom Teillol, nicely found by Sonny Yvars, had the opportunity to challenge the opposing goalkeeper (34th minute). Reflecting a poorly executed counterattack by the young Saint-Étienne players at the very end of the first half, the game was tight for 45 minutes. 

After the break, Mylan Toty provided the first thrill but was denied the penalty he was hoping for (46'). The tone was set. The Greens were more incisive and came close to breaking the deadlock with Medhy Lutin Zidee's first touch (58'). The post then denied Rayan Aït Amer (75'). But it was substitute Matheis Piskor who broke the deadlock. Found on the right wing, the young U17 player set up Sonny Yvars, who finished the job (ASSE 1-0 ASPTT Dijon, 80'). Still exposed to Dijon's counterattacks, Les Verts secured their victory at the end of the game thanks to Rayan Aït Amer, who converted a penalty won by Sonny Yvars (ASSE 2-0 ASPTT Dijon, 90th+4). Qualification confirmed! 

Coach's reaction

"It's a cup match, so it's never easy. We're happy to have built this success by showing patience. It wasn't easy, but qualifying is positive. We changed our system at halftime because 4-4-3 was more appropriate. It allowed us to play more and project ourselves more. We had to go out and get this qualification, and that's what the players did with desire and self-sacrifice. The Gambardella Cup is special; the team puts itself under a different kind of pressure. It has to rebuild after some difficult experiences in recent years. We have to learn how to play these knockout games, so it's good to be moving forward in this competition!"

La feuille de match

Saint-Étienne 2-0 ASPTT Dijon

Sunday, December 14th, 1st Federal Round of Crédit Agricole Gambardella Cup

Half-time : 0-0 

Goals : Yvars (80e), Aït Amer (90e+4, sp) for Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne : Colombet - Teillol, Mouton, Kasia, Jolivet, Lengué (then Aini, 46e) - Gary (then Charros, 67e), Ait Amer - Yvars, Bijot (then Piskor, 76e), Toty (then Lutin Zidee, 58e). Coach: Frédéric Dugand. 

✅ Qualification validée ! Au terme d’un match difficile face à l’ASPTT Dijon, la Génération Verte s’en sort (2-0) ! 👊

Rendez-vous au prochain tour de la #CoupeGambardella ! 🏆🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/qKIalKU7PD

— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) December 14, 2025