AS Cannes and Reims FC stunned the football world this Tuesday by securing their places in the semifinals of the Coupe de France after impressive wins against Guingamp and Angers, respectively.
Cannes, playing at the National 2 level, delivered a masterclass performance, defeating Guingamp 3-1. The match saw the home team dominate right from the kickoff, showcasing their intensity and clinical finishing. Chafik Abbas opened the scoring for Cannes at the 23rd minute, followed swiftly by Cedric Goncalves just seven minutes later, putting the team firmly in control. Despite Jacques Siwe equalizing for Guingamp early in the second half (46'), Julien Domingues sealed the victory for Cannes with another goal at the 69th minute, ensuring they advanced with confidence and flair.
This historic victory not only advances Cannes to the semifinals but also marks them as the first fourth division team to reach this stage since Rumilly-Vallières did so two years ago. "Cannes surprised everyone with their flawless first half performance..." reported EFE. The team has been on fire, boasting an unbeaten streak since October 19, showcasing their potential against higher-division clubs.
On the other side of the quarterfinals, Reims faced off against Angers, experiencing quite the nail-biter. The match was evenly contested, with both teams having opportunities. Reims initially took the lead thanks to Keito Nakamura's impressive header at the 79th minute. But Angers equalized dramatically during injury time (90+5 minutes), pushing the encounter to penalties. Reims showed remarkable composure, winning 5-3 on penalties, with Oumar Diakite scoring the decisive kick. "This achievement highlights the spirit of the competition, offering smaller teams the chance to shine against bigger opponents," stated EFE.
With their victories, both teams are now eagerly anticipating their next opponents, who will be determined from the matches between PSG-Stade Briochin and Brest-Dunkerque scheduled for Wednesday. Regardless of the draws awaiting them, Cannes' and Reims' journeys have inspired many, demonstrating the magical allure of the Coupe de France.
Historically, Cannes has been one of the notable clubs of French football, having lifted the Coupe de France trophy back in 1932. The current team appears to be recapturing some of the glory from those bygone days. Once the playground for legends like Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira, Cannes is now reviving its fighting spirit and ambition from the depths of amateur French football.
This year’s campaign has showcased their resilience, with breathtaking performances throughout the tournament. EFE noted, "Cannes not only removed the pressure but also provided significant opposition to the 5th place Ligue 2 team, displaying their potential to perform on various fronts." With every match, they are not just carving out their place among the traditional giants of French football but also renewing the dreams of fans longing for their club to return to the top.
Looking forward, the anticipation is palpable for the semifinals as Cannes and Reims head toward new challenges on the horizon, where footballing history could once again be reshaped. For now, they bask in the glory of their hard-fought victories, proud representatives of the passion and persistence embodied by the Coupe de France.