Artur Zakharyan scores 91st-minute winner to send Versailles into next round of French Cup

29-year-old Armenian midfielder Artur Zakharyan emerged as the hero of the French Cup seventh-round clash, scoring the winning goal as FC Versailles 78 defeated Rodez AF 3-2.

The match took place on November 14. Versailles, who compete in France's third division, secured victory over Ligue 2 side Rodez thanks to the Armenian midfielder's dramatic stoppage-time goal.

Zakharyan came off the bench in the 90th minute with the score tied at 2-2 and found the net with his very first touch in the 91st minute. The Armenian midfielder struck a precise diagonal shot to seal a 3-2 victory for his team.

Versailles made a flying start to the match, with Kenny Rocha Santos opening the scoring in the fourth minute. However, Rodez turned the game around before halftime through goals from Jordan Mendes and Nashon Nsinga.

Bilal Cissé restored parity in the 72nd minute before Zakharyan delivered the decisive goal in stoppage time.

As a result, FC Versailles 78 advanced to the eighth round of the 2026/27 French Cup, eliminating a team from a higher division.

French Cup, Seventh Round

November 14, 2026

FC Versailles 78 3-2 Rodez AF

Goals: Rocha Santos, 4' (1-0); Mendes, 35' (1-1); Nsinga, 44' (1-2); Cissé, 72' (2-2); Zakharyan, 90+1' (3-2).