PSG down Evian to reach French Cup last 16

Paris Saint-Germain saw off the challenge of third division Evian on Sunday to qualify for the last 16 of the French Cup with a workmanlike 3-1 victory.

Turkish international striker Mevlut Erding headed the hosts into a 16th-minute lead at the Parc des Princes and doubled PSG’s advantage with another header on the hour mark.

Kevin Berigaud hauled the underdogs back into contention seven minutes later when he converted a half-volley but Guillaume Hoarau, starting his first game since October after a period on the sidelines, put the game beyond the visitors when he scored in the fourth minute of injury time.

Lyon, currently fifth in the French championship standings, will look to make it five wins from five games in 2010 when they visit Monaco in the tie of the round later on Sunday.

Earlier, reigning cup holders Guingamp of the Second Division – who came from behind to stun Rennes 2-1 in last season’s final – won 1-0 at fourth-division Mulhouse to take their place in the last 16.

Elsewhere on Sunday, top-tier Saint-Etienne and Nancy both secured places in the round of 32 by winning their delayed last-64 ties.

Les Verts are involved in a relegation scrap but they blew away eighth-placed Lorient with Emmanuel Riviere, Dimitri Payet, twice, and Bakary Sako all on target in a 4-1 victory.

“I’m pleased with our qualification, with having scored some goals, with the spirit in the team and with the match,” said Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier.

“Lorient are a quality side. We prepared for this match like a league game, by lining up our best available team.”

Nancy were given a far sterner examination at fifth-division Thiers, however, and eventually prevailed 3-2 on penalties after the game finished 1-1.

French champions and current league leaders Bordeaux booked their place in the last 16 with a 5-1 thrashing of Second Division Ajaccio on Saturday, when lower league Beauvais, Quevilly and Vesoul also made it through to the round of 16.

Lille, currently third in the French top flight, crashed to a 10-9 defeat on penalties against fourth-tier Colmar, who will now meet Boulogne-sur-Mer in the round of 32.