Lens takes early lead

Lens, Ligue 1 runners-up behind Paris Saint-Germain, opened the scoring in the first half with goals from Florian Tovarn (23), following a rebound from Saudi player Saud Abdulhamid, and Senegalese Abdoulaye Sima (45+1). Lyon responded in the second half through Ukrainian Roman Yaremchuk (67) and young substitute Rémy Ouvert (90+5).

Penalty shootout decides match

The match went to penalties, where Lens clinched victory with Tovarn converting the decisive fifth spot-kick. Tovarn, 33, who previously played for Marseille, Tigres UANL, and Udinese, has scored seven league goals and provided three assists this season.

Lyon’s struggles continue

 Lyon’s woes continue after consecutive league defeats to Strasbourg (1-3) and Marseille (2-3).

Lens will face Toulouse on 22 April for a place in the final, while the other semi-final pits Strasbourg against Nice on the same day.