Upsets in French Cup

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Ligue 1 clubs Ajaccio and Reims were knocked out of the Coupe de France as unlikely winners Rouen and Plabennec prevailed.

Ajaccio, under the guidance of new manager Albert Emon for the first time, went down 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at third-tier Rouen in the last 64 of the competition.

Former Olympique Marseille boss Emon, who replaced the sacked Alex Dupont last month, watched his new team go a goal down when Zahir Zerdab opened the scoring for Rouen in the 63rd minute.

Wilfried Zahibo's 89th-minute equaliser forced the match into a goalless extra time before Rouen goalkeeper Theo Defourny saved three penalties in the shootout to thwart Ajaccio.

"We have achieved something beautiful. I just tried to relax and luck was on my side," Defourny told French radio RTL.

"I think we deserved to win. We had more goal chances."

Meanwhile, Reims were eliminated when they lost 1-0 at fourth tier Plabennec, who also stunned Ligue 1 teams Nice and Nancy on their way to the last 16 in 2010.

Nancy, bottom of Ligue 1, accounted for sixth tier Dreux 5-1, while fifth-placed Lorient brushed aside amateurs Chauray by the same score.

Other Ligue 1 clubs in action included Lille, who overcame Ligue 2 side Nimes 3-2, and Toulouse, who overcame third tier Boulogne 1-0.

Troyes scraped past amateurs Montceau 1-0, while Sochaux edged lowly Thaon by the same score and Evian beat third tier Amiens 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

In other matches, Le Havre ousted Belfort 3-1, Vendee Poire sur Vie conquered Le Mans 2-1, and Venissieux defeated Savigneux Montbrison 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Moulins beat Consolat Marseille 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Raon-l'Etape dumped out Amneville 2-1 in extra time.

Stade Bordelais upset third tier Carquefou 1-0, and Vertou beat Saint-Malo 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

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