On Tuesday night, the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium trembled with excitement as Cannes Football Club secured its place in the semifinals of the French Cup, defeating Guingamp 3-1. With 10,000 fans cheering on, the local team's remarkable run continues to captivate supporters. Coach Damien Ott couldn't contain his excitement, expressing disbelief at the achievement: "It's absurd." The crowd erupted with applause, celebrating the players who have played pivotal roles during this cup run.
Cannes has remained unbeaten since October 19, topping their national fourth division and showcasing the prowess of standout striker Julien Dominguez. The French forward scored his tenth goal of the cup at the 69th minute, maintaining an impressive average of one goal every 48 minutes, making him the tournament's leading scorer. The first half saw goals from Chafik Abbas and Cédric Concalves, with Concalves's remarkable strike from nearly half-field standing out as one of the highlights of the match.
Throughout the tournament, Cannes has displayed grit and determination, knocking out other formidable teams like Dives, Lorient, and Grenoble. They aim to continue this trend as they prepare for the semifinals scheduled for April 1 or 2, with the semifinal draw still pending. Ott humorously noted his desire to avoid facing Paris Saint-Germain, who are still vying for their spot. The club has undergone significant transformations since its storied past, aiming to reclaim its glory.
This newfound attention is particularly empowering for Cannes, who last played at the highest level of French football back in 1998 and where notable players like Zinédine Zidane and Patrick Vieira once kicked off their professional careers. Financial troubles led to the closure of their famous training center and the loss of their professional status. For many, it felt like the club was on the verge of fading away.
Things began to shift when the friedkin Group, which also owns AS Roma, took over ownership, breathing new life and ambition back to the club. Coach Ott has expressed his determination to achieve not only promotion to the third division but also to win the cup, which they last claimed back in 1932. "It's like a casino. We put everything on the table, betting big to win big. And at the moment, we are succeeding," said Ott with visible pride.
With so much on the line, the stakes have never been higher for Cannes as they continue on this thrilling road toward potential glory. Players, staff, and fans alike are reveling in their recent successes, emboldening their dreams of returning to the top tier of French football. The celebration of reaching the semifinals serves as both a historic milestone for the club and as motivation for reaching even greater heights.
Looking forward, the excitement surrounding Cannes's advancement fills the air as the team prepares for their next challenge. Their upcoming matches promise not only to reveal their resilience but also to showcase the potential of this reborn club. Fans remain hopeful, rallying behind their team with every ounce of support they can muster, eager to see how far this underdog story will continue to develop.