Moses Simon features as Nantes fall to heavy defeat in final

Super Eagles forward Moses Simon was in action for the struggling FC Nantes as they were roundly defeated 5-1 in the final of the Coupe de France by Toulouse. The newly-promoted side won their first trophy since 1957 in style against a side billed as favourites.

Having won the Cup last season, Nantes were looking to go back-to-back when they reached the final. In their way was newly-promoted Toulouse, and they were heavy favourites to win it despite their poor domestic form.

Toulouse needed only four minutes to deliver a reality check at the Stade de France as Cape Verdean defender Logan Costa directed a bullet header past goalkeeper Alban Lafont following a corner kick. Six minutes later, the defender headed home his and his side’s second of the game to put them in control early in the clash.

After a brief Nantes rally, Toulouse scored a third after only 23 minutes through young striker Thijs Dallinga with an exquisite chip over Lafont. The youngster scored his second of the game to put Toulouse 4-0 up after just 31 minutes when he reacted quickest to stab home from close range after a parry from Lafont fell into his path.

Moses Simon was hauled off at half-time after a below-par display for Nantes, with Ignatius Ganago introduced in his place.

The defending champions pulled one goal back in the 75th minute through a Ludovic Blas penalty before Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Aboukhlal rifled home his side’s fifth of the game in the 79th minute to seal a memorable cup win.

Toulouse will play in the UEFA Europa League next season after their successful cup campaign.