In a thrilling encounter at the Pierre-de-Coubertin Stadium, the Stade de Reims emerged victorious over AS Cannes, winning 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France on April 2, 2025. This match marked the end of a remarkable cup run for the National 2 side, who had captured the hearts of fans throughout the tournament.
The game kicked off with an electric atmosphere, as approximately 8,000 supporters filled the stands, including around 450 passionate fans from Reims. The excitement was palpable, especially for Cannes, who were making their first semi-final appearance in the Coupe de France in over three decades. Just to put that into perspective, their last semi-final run was back in 1992, when a young Zinédine Zidane was part of the team.
Reims started strong, taking the lead in the 14th minute through a well-placed shot from 18-year-old Hafiz Ibrahim. The young star showcased his talent with a brilliant finish after a swift counter-attack initiated by Mamadou Diakhon, who provided the assist. This early goal set the tone for the match, as Reims aimed to control the tempo against their lower-division opponents.
Cannes, undeterred by the setback, pressed forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the second half when Cheikh Ndoye, a seasoned midfielder, headed home from a corner kick in the 52nd minute, leveling the score at 1-1. The home crowd erupted in jubilation, believing a historic upset might be on the cards.
However, the joy was short-lived for the Cannois. Just six minutes later, Teddy Teuma restored Reims's lead with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Cannes. The young Ibrahim was again involved, providing the assist that led to Teuma's goal. With the score at 2-1, Reims demonstrated their experience and composure, slowing down the game to maintain their advantage.
Despite being down, Cannes continued to fight valiantly. They dominated possession, boasting 60% of the ball in the first half, and created several opportunities to draw level again. Notably, Julien Domingues forced Reims goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf into a stunning save with a powerful header in the 66th minute. The Cannois were relentless, pushing for another equalizer but were met with a solid defensive performance from Reims.
As the match progressed, the tempo became frantic, with both teams exchanging chances. Cannes's determination was evident, as they sought to capitalize on any mistakes from the Reims defense. However, the Ligue 1 side remained resolute, effectively managing the game and frustrating their opponents.
With the clock winding down, the atmosphere in the stadium grew tense. Cannois fans rallied behind their team, urging them on as they pushed for a dramatic late equalizer. Yet, despite their best efforts, the score remained unchanged. As the referee blew the final whistle, it was Reims who celebrated their hard-fought victory, securing a place in the Coupe de France final.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Reims, who will now face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain in the final on May 26, 2025, at the iconic Stade de France. This will be Reims's first final appearance since 1977, when they lost to Saint-Étienne. The team will be looking to rewrite history and claim their first Coupe de France title since 1950.
For Cannes, the defeat is bittersweet. They can take pride in their remarkable run in the tournament, having become the first fourth-division team to score 14 goals in a single Coupe de France season from the round of 32 onwards. Their journey has captivated fans and highlighted the magic of the cup, where underdogs can shine.
The match was broadcast live on beIN SPORTS 1 and available for streaming on the beIN Connect platform, allowing fans to witness this thrilling encounter unfold. As the dust settles on this semi-final, both teams will now turn their attention to their respective futures, with Reims dreaming of glory and Cannes focusing on their promotion bid in the National 2.
In the end, it was a classic cup match filled with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. The Stade de Reims will carry the hopes of their supporters into the final, while AS Cannes will look to regroup and build on their impressive cup run.
