Alesians condemned to the exploit

Le capitaine Yann Djabou, le gardien Éric Moreau et tous les Alésiens doivent rester en ordre de marche. A. B.

National 2/15th day. The OAC, relegated, moves to the leader, Aubagne. You spoke of a huge challenge ?

For once, the words are not too strong and stick to a reality that is impossible to hide. Without playing last weekend, Alès lost a place in the ranking due to Chamalières' victory over Fréjus (2-1). Result of the races: the OAC, 12th, now finds itself among a quartet located five units from Hyères (8th) and Cannes (7th). All before the arrival… of Cannes, on February 17. But before looking too far ahead, there is already a match to play for Alès, this Saturday. And what a match! On the ground of the current leader, Aubagne.

Aubagne undefeated at home this season!

We have always known a better place to regain confidence than a pitch where the Provençaux are undefeated this season, having conceded only two goals in six games for nine scored. The observation is harsh but very real. The only light at the end of the corridor, the OAC is the only club, with Andrézieux, to have made him touch the ground. It was last September 9, the evening of the OAC victory, in Pibarot (3-1). In other words, an eternity.

Any result other than a victory in Aubagne could complicate the Alésian future, even if there will still be eleven matches to play with thirty-three points to distribute.

Hakim Malek, coach: "Be less playful and focus more on the result"

"We are in a difficult period, where we are playing the first five against whom we absolutely have to take points, points out Gard technician Hakim Malek. We were deprived of two points following poor judgment by the referees on the disallowed goal against Grasse in added time. We will have to catch up with the leader. We need to be less playful and focus more on the result. We will have plenty of time to think about the coming of Cannes afterwards."

In Aubagne, Hakim Malek should lead the group back which gave him satisfaction against Grasse (0-0). And subsequently (see box) ?

Alès (12th, 15 pts) travels to Aubagne (1st, 26 pts) at the De Lattre De Tassigny stadium in 3 p.m. I subscribe to read more