Paris FC's Ikone stuns PSG to knock out former club from French Cup

Jonathan Ikone, a product of Paris Saint-Germain's youth system, returned to torment his previous team on Monday by netting the decisive goal in Paris FC's 1-0 victory against their local opponents, advancing them to the last 16 of the French Cup.

Coming on as a substitute, Ikone poked the ball into the net during the closing 20 minutes, catching the dominant 16-time champions and league leaders off guard at the Parc des Princes.

This marked PSG's first home defeat in the tournament since 2022 and their initial last-32 exit since 2014.

"We are truly delighted, we defended solidly," Ikone shared with France Televisions.

"I am thrilled with my goal, it is pure joy, and I hope it is not my final one," he continued.

Prior to the match, the hosts' ex-captain Mamadou Sakho, who started at Paris FC's academy before moving across the city, declared his retirement on the field.

The teams had clashed earlier this month in the first top-division derby in the City of Light since 1990, where Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele struck in a 2-1 triumph for the Champions League title holders.

Following that, PSG claimed the French Champions Trophy, defeating rivals Marseille on penalties in Kuwait last Thursday.

Newly ascended Paris FC, supported by luxury brand LVMH and Red Bull, sit 15th in Ligue 1, two points clear of Nantes in the relegation play-off position.

Luis Enrique's team controlled the opening half, with Georgia's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posing threats yet unable to open the scoring.

Paris FC's winger Alimami Gory created the visitors' prime opportunity early on before an injury forced his replacement by Ikone just before half-time.

Ten minutes into the second period, a wayward pass from Paris FC defender Moustapha Mbow gifted PSG a prime scoring chance, but goalkeeper Obed Nkambadio cleared Goncalo Ramos's curling shot.

As PSG maintained pressure with 15 minutes remaining, Paris FC countered swiftly, allowing Ikone to nudge the ball home for a 1-0 lead, though he chose not to celebrate.

In the seven minutes of added time, Doue nearly levelled with a header that grazed the post, while Nkambadio produced another outstanding stop to thwart Vitinha's effort from distance, rounding off an exceptional showing.

In the round's concluding fixture, Marseille travel to sixth-tier Bayeux, with the match relocated within Normandy to Caen's Stade Michel-d'Ornano for a capacity crowd.

Bayeux, famed for its ancient tapestry, represents the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, with the last-16 draw scheduled before the kick-off in northern France.

On Saturday, ex-Wolves manager Gary O'Neil began his role at Strasbourg helm with a 6-0 thrashing of fourth-tier Avranches.