David vs. Goliath: Reims Prevails in Cup Semi-Final

In a captivating semi-final clash at the Pierre-de-coubertin stadium, Reims secured their place in the French Football Cup final, defeating the spirited National 2 side, Cannes, by a score of 2-1. The victory sets up a highly anticipated final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on may 24th at the Stade de France. the match was a tense affair, with Cannes proving to be a formidable opponent despite their lower league status.

Cannes’ Valiant Cup Run Ends Just Short

Cannes, playing in the fourth tier of French football (National 2), had dreams of emulating Calais’ remarkable 2000 cup run, where the fourth-division team reached the final, ultimately losing to Nantes.Their journey to the semi-final was marked by notable victories against higher-league opposition, including Grenoble, Lorient, and Guingamp, all Ligue 2 teams. However,Reims proved to be a hurdle too high,ending Cannes’ hopes of a historic cup final appearance.

The Cannes team, coached by Damien Ott, displayed immense fighting spirit throughout the match, responding each time Reims took the lead. Even in stoppage time, dassiemou Mai had a chance to equalize, but his shot missed the target. Cannes initially took the lead through Chafik Abbas in the 2nd minute, showcasing their attacking intent from the outset. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with over 8,000 enthusiastic spectators cheering on the home side.

Reims’ Resilience: From League Struggles to Cup Finalists

Reims, despite their recent struggles in Ligue 1, demonstrated their quality and determination. Prior to this victory,they had endured a arduous start to 2025,but a surprise league win against Marseille provided a much-needed confidence boost.Lead by captain Yehvann Diouf, Reims had previously overcome Monaco and Angers on penalties to reach the semi-final. Now, they face the daunting task of overcoming PSG in the final, while also focusing on securing their Ligue 1 status.

Match Highlights: A Back-and-Forth battle

Reims responded quickly to Cannes’ early goal, with Junya Ito forcing a save from Cannes’ young goalkeeper, Fabio Vanni.Mamadou Diakhon,a 19-year-old French U20 international,then showcased his talent by outpacing jonas Smith and setting up Ibrahim Hafiz Umar,also 19,who scored with a composed finish. Cannes, however, refused to give in, and captain Cheikh Ndoye equalized with a powerful header from a corner in the 52nd minute.

The decisive moment came in the 58th minute when Teddy Teuma, set up by Ibrahim, restored Reims’ lead. This time, the Champagne club held on, extinguishing Cannes’ dream of a fairytale cup run.

looking Ahead: Reims vs. PSG – A Clash of Titans

The French Football Cup final promises to be a thrilling encounter between Reims and PSG. While PSG are the clear favorites, Reims have proven their ability to compete with top teams and will undoubtedly give their all in pursuit of the trophy. The final will be a meaningful test for Reims, as they aim to upset the odds and claim their first major trophy in recent years.