Reims secured a 2-1 victory over fourth-tier Cannes on Wednesday to book their place in the French Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain in May.
Cannes, aiming to become the first fourth-division club to reach the final since Calais in 2000, fought hard but came up just short. “There’s no disappointment, just pride,” said Cannes coach Damien Ott, reflecting on their brave performance.
Reims, aiming for their first major trophy since the 1991 French League Cup, will now face PSG, who overcame Dunkerque 4-2 on Tuesday. Reims coach Samba Diawara was pleased with his team’s recent form, especially after their 2-1 win over Marseille boosted their Ligue 1 survival hopes.
The match saw Reims take a 14th-minute lead through Hafiz Ibrahim, who turned in Mamadou Diakhon’s assist. Cannes equalised in the second half through captain Cheikh N’Doye, but Reims quickly regained the lead with Teddy Teuma’s goal, his first since October. Despite pressure from Cannes, Reims held firm to advance to the final.
