Audax-Friul does not have to be ashamed of its performance, but the end result is logical. The club of 2e neuchâteloise league was eliminated by Neuchâtel Xamax on Sunday at the Pierre-à-Bot stadium, in 32es final of the Swiss Football Cup. In front of more than 1,700 spectators, the Italo-Neuchâtelois lost 5-1 once morest the Challenge League team.
Neuchâtel Xamax took his opponent cold by opening the scoring in the 4the minute of play following a header by Yoan Epitaux following a corner. Instead of widening the gap, the “red and black” let themselves be surprised at the 19e minute, allowing Audax-Friul to equalize through Bryan Guarnieri, also from a corner. The interested party analyzed this match and was obviously delighted with his goal, despite the defeat:
Neuchâtel Xamax then regained the lead shortly before the half hour mark, following a success from Yahoub Ouhafsa. The score was 2-1 at halftime. The Xamaxiens then really widened the gap, following the hour of play by Izer Aliu (64e), then, a brace from Soumaila Bakayoko (74e and 77th) allowed the men of Andrea Binotto (suspended for this game) to take off and easily win 5-1. The emblematic and experienced Xamaxian striker, Raphaël Nuzzolo, was satisfied with this victory but it was with his usual humility that he analyzed this game:
Neuchâtel Xamax also knows his next opponent for the round of 16 of the Swiss Cup. The “red and black” will welcome another resident of the Challenge League, FC Thun. On the side of FC La Chaux-de-Fonds, the men of Pascal Oppliger will have the formidable honor of welcoming FC Servette of a certain Alain Geiger to La Charrière. See you on September 16, 17 and 18. /mne/dje
