Ikone Haunts Former Club as PSG Crash Out of French Cup

Paris Saint-Germain were dumped out of the French Cup on Monday night after former academy graduate Jonathan Ikone scored the decisive goal in a shock 1-0 defeat to city rivals Paris FC, sending the visitors into the last 16.

Ikone, introduced as a substitute, struck in the final 20 minutes at the Parc des Princes to stun the dominant hosts, who are record 16-time winners and reigning champions of the competition.

The loss marked PSG’s first home defeat in the French Cup since 2022 and their first elimination at the last-32 stage since 2014.

“We’re really happy, we managed to defend well,” Ikone told France Televisions.
“I’m really happy with my goal, just a joy, and I hope it’s not my last goal,” he added.

Before kick-off, PSG’s former captain Mamadou Sakho announced his retirement on the pitch. Sakho began his career with Paris FC’s academy before later joining PSG.

The two sides had already met earlier this month in the first top-flight Paris derby since 1990, when Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele scored in a 2-1 league win for the Champions League holders.

Since that match, PSG lifted the French Champions Trophy, edging rivals Marseille on penalties in Kuwait last Thursday.

Newly promoted Paris FC, who are backed by LVMH and Red Bull, sit 15th in Ligue 1, two points clear of Nantes in the relegation play-off spot.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated the first half, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posing a threat without finding a breakthrough. Paris FC winger Alimami Gory had the visitors’ best early chance before being forced off injured five minutes before half-time, making way for Ikone.

Early in the second half, a poor pass from Paris FC centre-back Moustapha Mbow gifted PSG a clear opening, but goalkeeper Obed Nkambadio punched away Goncalo Ramos’ curling effort.

Despite continued pressure from PSG, Paris FC struck on the counter with 15 minutes remaining, Ikone poking home the winner before declining to celebrate against his former club.

In seven minutes of stoppage time, Doue came close to an equaliser with a header, while Nkambadio capped a standout display by denying Vitinha’s long-range strike.

Elsewhere in the competition, Marseille travel to sixth-tier Bayeux, with the tie moved to Caen’s Stade Michel-d’Ornano in Normandy. Bayeux are the lowest-ranked team still in the tournament, with the draw for the last 16 taking place before kick-off.

On Saturday, former Wolves coach Gary O’Neil began his spell as Strasbourg manager with a 6-0 win over fourth-tier Avranches.

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