Rafiki Saïd Faces Former Club Brest in Crucial Coupe de France Clash

TROYES, France — Rafiki Saïd, the 24-year-old Comorian winger, will face his former club, Stade Brestois, in a highly anticipated Coupe de France Round of 16 match on Tuesday evening. The Troyes forward, who spent his formative years at Brest, is set to play a pivotal role in the clash at Stade de l’Aube.

Saïd, who joined Troyes in July 2023 on a four-year deal, has emerged as a key player for the Ligue 2 side. This season, he leads the team with six league goals and was instrumental in their previous Coupe de France victory, scoring the lone goal against Stade Rennais to secure a 1-0 win. His performance has been a bright spot for Troyes, who are currently 12th in the league standings.

Having developed at Stade Brestois after starting his career at AS Brestoise, Saïd made 17 appearances for the club’s senior team between 2020 and 2022. However, he struggled to cement his place under then-manager Olivier Dall’Oglio and was loaned to Stade Briochin in February 2021. The move to the National league proved beneficial, as Saïd gained valuable experience, scoring twice and providing three assists during his six-month stint.

Saïd’s journey continued with a loan to Troyes in 2022, where he doubled his playing time and contributed 13 goals and assists across all competitions. His impressive form earned him a permanent transfer, and he has since become a mainstay in the team. Despite Troyes’ struggles last season, which saw them narrowly avoid relegation due to administrative issues, Saïd stood out with nine goals and three assists.

As he prepares to face his former club, Saïd’s role will be crucial for Troyes. The winger, who has also earned 10 caps for the Comoros national team, is expected to start on the left flank. However, Troyes officials have restricted media access to Saïd ahead of the match, adding an air of mystery to his potential impact.

The match kicks off at 7 p.m. local time, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Fans can enjoy pre-match festivities, including music, selfie booths, and cake distributions. The Stade de l’Aube will also feature a special collector’s scarf and winter apparel for sale, alongside a variety of food and beverage options.