Monaco United continue to make history. In just their very first season, the Monaco- based club secured a place in the final of the prestigious Mediterranean Cup this Sunday after delivering a commanding performance against higher-ranked opposition. It was a major statement win that once again highlights the tremendous progress made by the squad and further fuels the club’s ambitions as the season reaches its decisive stage.
“We are extremely proud of the journey we’ve made in the Mediterranean Cup. This final is a reward for the hard work, discipline, and ambition the club has shown since August 7. It marks an important step in our project, while keeping the same objective in mind: to win as many trophies as possible.” Marco Simone, president-coach of Monaco United WFC
Facing Hyères FC, a regional-level side playing one division above Monaco United, Marco Simone’s players knew they would need to produce yet another upset to keep their remarkable cup run alive. The match took place at Stade Didier-Deschamps in Cap-d’Ail, in an atmosphere worthy of the occasion. After a flawless journey to the semi- finals, the objective was clear in every mind: to reach the club’s first-ever final.
And considering what the team had already accomplished, belief was more than justified. In the quarter-finals, Monaco United had already made a major impression by defeating Rousset away from home, a side competing two divisions above them. Proof, if any was needed, that this team has the character and quality to overcome the odds.
A Perfect Start
From the very first minutes, the Monégasque side sent a strong message. Playing without fear, Marco Simone’s players immediately imposed their rhythm, intensity and style of play, a philosophy that has been developed with great discipline and high standards since the beginning of the season. Despite their opponents’ superior status on paper, it was Monaco United who took complete control of the match, displaying impressive collective composure and dominating possession throughout. After creating several dangerous chances and forcing a number of saves from the opposing goalkeeper, Monaco United’s dominance was finally rewarded. Mia Lawrence, one of the standout performers of the day, opened the scoring and quickly added a second, converting the team’s superiority into a deserved early advantage.
With Hyères pinned back in their own half and rarely able to threaten going forward, Monaco United continued their attacking display and went into the break with a stunning 5–0 lead. It was an almost flawless first-half performance that already put qualification firmly within reach. “We came up against higher-level teams, which made the mental side of our preparation a real challenge. But our strength lies in staying true to our DNA: regardless of the opponent, we impose our style of play, one that has been built over eight months of hard work,” the coach explained.
Complete Control Until the Final Whistle
Far from simply managing their lead, Monaco United came back out for the second half with the same determination and intensity. It was a reflection of the team’s identity: ambitious, expressive and relentlessly demanding. This equally serious and composed second-half display also allowed Marco Simone to make his three substitutions, ensuring that as many players as possible could take part in what became a true collective celebration. At the final whistle, the scoreboard left no room for doubt: Monaco United had stormed to an emphatic 8–1 victory.
It was a resounding win against a team playing a division above them — a side that, on this occasion, simply could not match the quality of football produced by Monaco United, the first District-level team to make it all the way to the Mediterranean Cup final. For Marco Simone, ‘’this proves that with hard work, passion, and perseverance, barriers can be overcome. We represent something greater than ourselves, and that carries a responsibility to rise to the occasion.”
An Already Exceptional Season
Already crowned District 06 champions, the club has now achieved its first major objective of the season and secured a place in the promotion play-offs to move up to the next level. A first trophy is already in the cabinet.
Thanks to this qualification, Monaco United will now contest a prestigious Mediterranean Cup final against Olympique de Marseille Reserves, who compete in Division 3, two tiers above the Monégasque side. “Olympique de Marseille is a historic club in French football, and facing their reserve team in the final is a huge moment for us,” Marco Simone said. “We know the level will be even higher, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting: going up against the best teams in this competition.”
It is a dream final, perfectly fitting for what has already been an exceptional cup campaign. “We are very happy to have already won the district title and now qualified for the final. Since the very first match, the goal has been to go all the way. I’m pleased with our performance — we needed to impose our style of play to secure qualification, and I hope we will show our true face again in the final… to finish this beautiful Mediterranean Cup journey in the best possible way,” said Sara Lakhssassi, a key figure in the attacking unit. Recently returning from a minor injury, she also shared her feelings about being back on the pitch: “I’m very happy to be back with the group. Scoring two goals after coming on as a substitute gives me confidence again and helps me rebuild my rhythm and understanding with my teammates, all within a great win like today’s.”
With a Coupe Marenco semi-final also still to come on 26 April in Cannes, a competition exclusively featuring teams from the Alpes-Maritimes (06), Monaco United remain in contention on every front, with a season finale that could become truly historic.
Peace and Sport Honoured During the Semi-Final
Beyond the sporting result, the day was also marked by a powerful human and social moment. Monaco United were delighted to welcome the teams from Peace and Sport, the club’s official partner and one of its earliest supporters. Their presence formed part of the White Card awareness campaign, led each year by Peace and Sport ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, celebrated annually on 6 April.
Several highlights were organised around this initiative to shine a light on the shared values championed by Monaco United and Peace and Sport: inclusion, commitment, togetherness, and the power of sport as a tool for peace and social cohesion. Through the White Card campaign, carried out in partnership with Monaco United, the aim is also to engage the public around essential causes that deserve to be defended, promoted and passed on to future generations.
Marco Simone stated: “Our partnership with Peace and Sport is an honor, as we share the same core values. We believe in the power of sport to make a positive impact on society by providing opportunities for children, young girls, and by promoting freedom and respect for women. Carrying these values through Monaco United is a responsibility we are extremely proud of.”
