On April 2, 2025, the AS Cannes, a club from National 2, will face Ligue 1's Stade de Reims in a highly anticipated Coupe de France semi-final match at the sold-out Pierre de Coubertin stadium. The excitement is palpable as the underdogs aim to secure a spot in the final, scheduled for May 24, 2025. The atmosphere is electric, with the city of Cannes rallying behind their team, which is determined to create a historic moment.
As the match approaches, AS Cannes captain Cheikh Ndoye expressed the team's enthusiasm, stating, "We are good! This is a match where we must enjoy ourselves. For me, it’s a celebration! Not everyone gets to play in a Coupe de France semi-final against a Ligue 1 team; it’s beautiful!" Ndoye's words encapsulate the spirit of the team as they prepare for this monumental challenge.
Head coach Damien Ott, who has been at the helm since last autumn, emphasized the need for his players to remain relaxed and focused. In a press conference held on March 31, 2025, he remarked, "I’m not going to give tactical lessons to my players; don’t expect anything new. It would be incredibly pretentious to think we have the solutions to put Reims in jeopardy. No! We will play and try to do what we know how to do. I hope we will rise to the occasion!" Ott’s confidence in his squad reflects their remarkable journey through the tournament.
AS Cannes has had an extraordinary run in this year’s Coupe de France, having reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1992. Their path has been nothing short of impressive, having eliminated three Ligue 2 teams: Grenoble, Lorient, and Guimgamp. Former AS Cannes player Luis Fernandez noted, "It’s possible; they have already shown it by beating teams from Ligue 2 that were supposed to be very good teams." This sentiment fuels the belief that anything can happen in football.
The match will be broadcasted live, and a giant screen will be set up on the Allées de la Liberté for fans unable to secure tickets. The city hall has even donned red and white, the colors of the AS Cannes, to support their local heroes. The fan zone is expected to be packed, and the excitement is building as the kickoff approaches.
Fabio Vanni, the second goalkeeper for AS Cannes, is particularly eager for the match. Having grown up in Aubagne and trained at Olympique de Marseille, Vanni shared, "Fear? No, it’s just a thrill to play a Ligue 1 team at home; it’s pure pleasure!" His father is bringing 160 supporters to the stadium, showcasing the deep-rooted community support for the team. Vanni continued, "I try to stay in my bubble, but family and friends are important, and I’m grateful for their support. They were 118 in the last round, and 90 in the one before that!"
As the team gears up for the match, Ott cautioned against distractions, saying, "The biggest risk before this match is to get scattered. Everyone wants to please everyone, which is the hardest part. But so far, we haven’t been affected by that." His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the team through this thrilling journey.
AS Cannes, currently competing in the fourth division, has a storied history, having once produced football legends like Zinedine Zidane. The club's ambition is to regain its former glory, and this semi-final is a significant step toward that goal. Director General Félicien Laborde stated, "For us, the Coupe de France represents a spotlight on our incredibly beautiful and motivating project within a century-old, historic club."
Despite the challenges, the team remains focused on their primary goal of promotion to National. The recent defeats have complicated their league aspirations, but they are determined to carry the momentum from their cup run into the final stretch of the league season. "The Coupe de France has always helped us gain confidence for the championship," Ott explained, recognizing the dual importance of their cup journey.
Looking ahead, AS Cannes faces a formidable opponent in Stade de Reims, who recently defeated Olympique de Marseille 3-1, showcasing their own strength in Ligue 1. Vanni, who has been a standout in the cup, noted, "They will be 160 strong against Reims! My friends and family will be there. Fortunately, it’s my father who manages all of that." This strong familial support adds an extra layer of motivation for the players.
As the match day approaches, the excitement continues to build. Ndoye, who has previously played in a Coupe de France final with Angers, emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment without pressure. "If we are eliminated, it’s normal, and if we win, what will you say? It’s an achievement!" His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team steps onto the pitch.
In the lead-up to the match, the local community has rallied behind the AS Cannes, with the stadium expected to be filled to capacity, showcasing the passion and pride of the city. The anticipation is palpable, and the team is ready to seize this moment. As Ott stated, "Cannes breaks the codes, we love that." The stage is set for an unforgettable evening of football, with the hopes of a city resting on the shoulders of its players. Will the AS Cannes make history and reach the final of the Coupe de France? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: they will give it their all.
