Auxerre have advanced to the semi-finals of the Coupe de France after needing a penalty shootout to see off Brest in this evening's clash at the Stade Francis-Le Ble.

With both sides playing out a 0-0 draw after extra time, AJA were triumphant from the spot as they went through 4-2.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors in the 10th minute when Amara Baby latched on to Frederic Sammaritano's ball, but the effort flew wide of target.

Brest then enjoyed a bright spell, but the opposition came back at them in the 37th minute, when Samed Kılıc surged down the right before blasting a shot into the arms of the goalkeeper.

Neither side could break the deadlock by half time, and chances continued to be at a premium well into the second half.

Alexandre Cuvillier's free kick on the hour caused trouble in the Auxerre box, but Ruben Aguilar was on hand to clear the danger.

In the latter stages of the game, Baby and Sammaritano threatened on a number of occasions for the visitors, but come the end of normal time, it was still goalless.

Auxerre continued to be on top during extra time, with Vincent Gragnic at the heart of most of the action, but Brest were able to hold on for the full 120 minutes.

Youssef Adnane and Simon Falette missed their spot kicks for the hosts, and despite Thomas Fontaine's failed effort, Sammaritano converted his side's final effort to put AJA into the last four of the competition.