This Saturday, June 7, Moynat Stadium in Thonon-les-Bains will be the site of a high-stakes French D1 Elite semifinal clash between the defending champion Thonon Black Panthers (Northern Conference leaders, 10-1 record) and the resilient Asnières Molosses (third in the North, 8-3), with the winner advancing to the Casque de Diamant final on June 28 in Chambéry.
Recent history fuels anticipation
The 2025 regular-season meetings between these rivals delivered nail-biting drama. In Week 5 at Asnières’ Blaise Matuidi Stadium, the Molosses nearly toppled the Black Panthers, surrendering a last-second touchdown in a 28-27 thriller. Their Week 10 rematch at Moynat Stadium saw Thonon clinch the Northern Conference crown with a 24-20 victory, cementing their status as title favorites. Despite the Black Panthers’ narrow aggregate margin of 5 points across both games, the Molosses proved their capacity to challenge the league’s top team, setting the stage for a playoff showdown where pressure amplifies every play.
Watch live. Asnieres Molosses @ Thonon Black Panthers, June 7, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)
Balanced rosters on display
Thonon’s quest for a historic three-peat hinges on their league-best offense (34.9 PPG) and suffocating defense (7.9 PPG allowed). Quarterback José Tabora Jr. (1,724 yards, 21 TDs) has regained peak form post-injury, orchestrating a multifaceted attack featuring dynamic running backs, deep receiving options, and tight end Odell Turnbull. Defensively, their secondary’s playmaking ability often shifts game momentum, complementing an already dominant front.
Asnières counters with MVP candidate Brody Hahn (1,539 yards, 26 TDs), whose dual-threat prowess at quarterback (430 yards rushing, 5 TDs) fuels their offensive unpredictability. Hahn’s synergy with a versatile receiving corps tests even elite defenses, while the Molosses’ improved defensive unit—steadily refined throughout the season—aims to disrupt Thonon’s rhythm. Their growth in defensive discipline, particularly in containing explosive plays, could prove pivotal.
Legacy vs. ambition
The Black Panthers’ championship pedigree faces its sternest test against an Asnières squad hungry for validation. Thonon’s experience in high-pressure moments contrasts with the Molosses’ underdog resolve, creating a tactical chess match. For Asnières, neutralizing Thonon’s defensive turnovers while exploiting Hahn’s mobility offers a path to victory. The hosts, meanwhile, will rely on offensive efficiency and defensive dominance to silence doubters.
With a Casque de Diamant berth at stake, this semifinal promises strategic intensity and physicality. Whether Thonon’s quest for a dynasty continues or Asnières’ breakthrough arrives will be decided under Moynat Stadium’s lights—a fitting battleground for French football’s elite.