Nice need extra-time to reach French Cup semis

Posted Wednesday, March 02, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

PARIS, March 1 (Reuters) - Top-flight Nice avoided a scare at second division Stade de Reims to progress to the French Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 win after extra-time thanks to a double strike by Eric Mouloungui on Tuesday.

Serbian Danijel Ljuboja gave Nice the lead after 30 minutes but Reims hit back immediately through Romain Amalfitano and then equalised for a second time when Odair Fortes cancelled out forward Mouloungui’s effort just before the hour mark.

However, Gabon’s Mouloungi had the final say when he scored the winner seven minutes from the end of extra-time.

Reims, famous for losing two European Cup finals in 1956 and 1959 to Real Madrid before fading into obscurity, eliminated Ligue 1 title challengers Stade Rennes in the last round.

Cup “shocks” are a regular occurrence in France but this season the surprise results have reached new heights.

Amateurs Chambery, the first fifth division team to knock out three top-flight sides, host second tier Angers on Wednesday when Ligue 1 leaders Lille host FC Lorient in their quarter-final.

Paris St Germain also welcome second division Le Mans.