The AS Cannes football club is gearing up for a historic showdown as they prepare to face Stade de Reims in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The match, which will kick off at 21:00 at the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin, represents a monumental opportunity for the National 2 side to secure a place in the prestigious final at the Stade de France.
Cannes, having eliminated Guingamp with a convincing 3-1 victory in the quarter-finals, is determined to continue their remarkable run in the competition. However, they face a formidable opponent in Reims, a team currently fighting for survival in Ligue 1. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for both teams as they vie not only for a spot in the final but also for a chance to etch their names in history.
As the match day approaches, excitement builds among the fans. The local community has rallied behind the Cannois, with the city of Cannes setting up a fan zone on the Allées de la Liberté, which will open at 20:00. This initiative aims to create a vibrant atmosphere for supporters who cannot make it to the stadium. However, attendance will be limited, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.
The match will be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1, making it accessible to fans eager to witness this thrilling encounter. With the glamour of the Coupe de France at stake, both teams are aware of the significance of this fixture. For Cannes, this is a chance to achieve something extraordinary, while Reims aims to assert their dominance and secure a place in the final after a long absence.
Recent form has been mixed for both sides. AS Cannes has struggled in their league campaign, suffering defeats in their last two outings, including a disappointing loss to Angoulême. Despite these setbacks, they have shown flashes of brilliance in the cup, highlighted by their victory over Guingamp, which showcased their attacking prowess.
On the other hand, Stade de Reims comes into the match with renewed confidence following a significant 3-1 win against Marseille in their last league game. This victory was a much-needed boost for the team, which had been experiencing a challenging season, sitting precariously in 15th place in Ligue 1. Coach Samba Diawara will be looking for his players to carry this momentum into the semi-final.
Historically, this match marks an intriguing chapter, as the two clubs have never faced each other in an official competition before. This semi-final is not just a game; it is the beginning of what could become a fierce rivalry in French football. The tactical battle between Cannes' Damien Ott and Reims' Samba Diawara will be crucial, with both managers keen to outsmart the other.
Ott has expressed confidence in his team, stating, "I’m not going to give tactical lessons to my players; we will play our game and try to do what we know best. I hope we will rise to the occasion." Meanwhile, Reims midfielder Valentin Atangana has echoed the sentiment of determination, emphasizing the importance of the match for both the players and the supporters. "It’s something that motivates us extremely, and we are all aware that it’s a dream to go to Stade de France. We will give everything to reach the final," he said.
As the match approaches, predictions are swirling. Betting odds suggest that both teams are likely to score, with odds at 1.91 on Bwin. Another prediction indicates that the visiting team, Reims, is expected to score first, with odds of 1.4. Additionally, there is speculation that the match may see fewer than 3.5 goals, with odds set at 1.3 on Winamax.
In terms of team news, Cannes is expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Derougemont behind a defensive line consisting of Kamissoko, Pineau, Fischer, and Smith. The midfield trio of Hafidi, Trinker, and Blanc will look to control the game, while the attacking trio of Gonçalves, Abbas, and Domingues aims to pose a constant threat to the Reims defense.
Reims, on the other hand, is likely to adopt a more cautious 5-3-2 formation, particularly given their recent injury woes that have sidelined key players like Mohamed Daramy and Reda Khadra. The duo of Ito and Nakamura will lead the attack, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from Cannes.
This semi-final clash is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having everything to play for. For Cannes, it’s a chance to make history as the first amateur club to reach the final in recent years, while Reims is eager to return to the final stage of the Coupe de France after a lengthy absence since their last title in 1958.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, one thing is certain: the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin will be buzzing with energy and anticipation. Who will emerge victorious and secure their place in the final? Fans from both sides will be on the edge of their seats as the action unfolds on this momentous occasion.
