PSG Cup victory welcome diversion from internal strife

Paris Saint Germain’s victory over fourth-tier GRCO Ajaccio to advance into the last 16 of the French Cup swept some cheer through the club following internal off-pitch wrangling during the last week.

Serbian international Mateja Kezman scored twice, and Sammy Troare got the other for Paul Le Guen’s men who needed a lift in the transitional period before a new club president is named.

PSG president Charles Villeneuve said on Thursday he would quit on February 3 in an agreement with majority shareholder Sebastien Bazin who is set to take over.

Although off-pitch problems can divert players’ attention, there was little evidence that the team’s play had in any way been affected in their first match back since the internal strife.

PSG are still competing in four competitions – the league, UEFA Cup and French League Cup are the others.

Village team Schirrhein were thumped 8-0 by first division Toulouse on Saturday to end their French Cup glory which put the side near the German border firmly on the map.

Schirrhein, the first seventh-tier team to reach the last 32 of the competition in its 91-year history fell to goals from Danish striker Soren Larsen (four), plus others by Daniel Congre, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Moussa Sissoko and Daniel Braaten.

Lyon beat Concarneau at Guingamp 6-0 in a last 64 match, although they had injuries to Juninho, John Mensah, Kim Kallstrom and Ederson, with Anthony Mounier scoring twice.

Lyon now host Marseille on Wednesday in the last 32.

The south coast derby between Monaco and Nice takes place later on Sunday to wrap up the weekend cup action.