Quebec stun Provence to claim fine win on non-FIFA debut

Last summer’s VIVA World Cup semi-finalists Provence suffered a shock defeat by non-FIFA debutants Québec this afternoon in the Tournoi des Cultures in Marseille. Despite going down early on to a Benjamin De Santi goal the North Americans game back strongly and equalised in the first half before scoring twice in the second period, including a stunning strike from Reda Agourram, to win 3-1.

Heat...the weather was a factor during the game.

The N.F.-Board side were favourites going into the game and took only 4 minutes to take the lead, ES Pennoise attacker Benjamin De Santi firing past Vincent Cournoyer for his first international goal. In the searing heat both sides played attractive football and the Quebecois were level just before the half-hour when John Durnick found Pascal Aoun who finished beyond the dive of Mickael Jobert. The hosts began to dominate but it was Jobert who was the most severely tested before the break when he did well to deny a powerful shot from Durnick.

After recharging at half-time Québec came out strongly for the second period and took the lead in the 48^th minute when Reda Agourram, released by Montreal Impact last summer, sent a rocket into the back of the net from 30-yards out. The searing heat began to take it’s toll on the match as both teams tired. The visitors managed to seal the game with 10 minutes to go following a scramble in the box which was finally prodded home by Cedric Carrie. Nicolas Ferrero nearly pulled ago back from a free-kick in the 87^th minute but it was too little too late, and the Quebecois held on for a famous win.

Opener...Pascal Aoun.

After the game Provence manager Phillipe Burgio said “Québec have a great team. Our second half was much better than the 1st but they win”. With the two teams the only full non-FIFA sides in the competition then another ‘A’ game could happen should they both win or lose their respective semi-finals, which are set for Thursday.

Match information –

Score: Provence 1-3 Québec

Goals: Provence – De Santi 4’. Québec – Aoun 28’ Agourram 48’ Carrie 80’

Provence: Jobert; Samat, Barnel, Chrétien, Camatte; Bouchrouche, Savino; De Santi, Ferrero, Mdahoma; Copel.

Québec: Cournoyer; Lassonde, Chan-Yu-Tin, Leduc, Suprenant; Cossette, Durnick; Aoun, Babineau [Bessé 82’], Carrie; Agourram.