PSG's Ebayilin emerges as key figure in dramatic cup semi-final win
Paris Saint-Germain's women's team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Paris FC in the Coupe de France semi-final on Sunday, with 18-year-old midfielder Anaïs Ebayilin playing a pivotal role. The match, a repeat of last season's final, was decided by a second-half penalty from Romée Leuchter after Ebayilin had earlier equalised, with PSG playing much of the second half with ten players.
The game began in chaotic fashion for the hosts when defender Elisa De Almeida scored an own goal in the third minute, diverting a Clara Mateo cross past her own goalkeeper. Paris FC, who had beaten PSG on penalties in last year's final, looked to control the game early. The equaliser arrived in the 21st minute, however, as the teenage Ebayilin rose to power a precise header past Paris FC goalkeeper Mylène Chavas, demonstrating the composure that has marked her rapid rise.
Ebayilin, who joined the PSG academy at a young age, has become an increasingly important figure in Paulo César’s midfield this season. Her well-timed run and finish provided a crucial moment of quality in a tense derby. The match turned further in the 49th minute when PSG's experienced defender Griedge Mbock was sent off following a VAR review for a foul on Anaële Le Moguédec. Despite being a player down, PSG won a penalty shortly after when Célina Ould Hocine’s foul was also confirmed by VAR, allowing Leuchter to convert from the spot in the 57th minute.
Paris FC pushed for a second equaliser, even after PSG's Ornella Graziani received a second yellow card in stoppage time to reduce the hosts to nine players, but they could not find a way through. The result means PSG advances to the final in Valenciennes on May 10, where they will face either Lyon or Strasbourg. For Ebayilin, the performance underscored her growing importance to a side competing on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The young midfielder’s development will be closely watched by the French national team setup, as she represents a key part of the club's future strategy.
The victory provides a significant morale boost for PSG, who have occasionally struggled for consistency this season. Overcoming a determined local rival while navigating a numerically disadvantaged situation highlights the team's resilience. For Paris FC, managed by Sandrine Soubeyrand, the narrow defeat ends a cup run that had again demonstrated their capacity to challenge the established hierarchy in French women's football. The focus for both clubs now returns to the league, where PSG will aim to close the gap on leaders Lyon.
