South African Lebo Mothiba scored twice as Strasbourg fought back to beat Bordeaux 3-2 in the French League Cup last four on Wednesday to reach their first major final since 2005.
Strasbourg, who are bidding to pull clear in second on the all-time list behind Paris Saint-Germain with a fourth League Cup title, will face Guingamp in the final on March 30 in Lille.
Ligue 1’s bottom club Guingamp edged out struggling Monaco on penalties on Tuesday in Leonardo Jardim’s first match back in charge of the principality club since replacing the sacked Thierry Henry.
Bordeaux, who lost at Strasbourg in the league on Saturday, got off to a perfect start at the Stade de le Meinau as Younousse Sankhare lashed home a left-footed volley from a corner, but the hosts fought back in the second half.
Ludovic Ajorque levelled just three minutes after the restart, and Mothiba tapped in fullback Kenny Lala’s cross to give Strasbourg a 55th-minute lead.
The 23-year-old Mothiba put his side within touching distance of a final spot on the hour mark as he nodded in Ajorque’s headed pass, scoring his 10th goal of the season.
🏆 @RCSA moves on to the Coupe de la Ligue FINAL!!#RCSAFCGB 3-2 | @CoupeLigueBKT pic.twitter.com/fewV5bQCV1
— Ligue1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 30, 2019
Jimmy Briand gave Bordeaux hope as he slotted home in the 82nd minute after a rapid counter-attack.
But Strasbourg, who sit fifth in Ligue 1, held on to continue their excellent season, less than eight years since reforming in the French fifth tier after financial difficulties.
A magnificent second-half turnaround at La Meinau this evening means that Racing will be heading to Lille on 30th March for their first cup final since 2005!
Hope you’re ready for this x about 100, @StadePM. 🔵⚪️pic.twitter.com/7vD6LZk6sg
— RC Strasbourg English (@RCS_English) January 30, 2019
AFP
