AS Cannes vs Stade de Reims: A Historic French Cup Semi-Final Showdown
AS Cannes faces Ligue 1's Stade de Reims in a highly anticipated Coupe de France semi-final at the Coubertin Stadium.
On April 2, 2025, the AS Cannes football team, a representative of the National 2 division, is set to meet Stade de Reims, a storied club from Ligue 1, in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France at Coubertin Stadium at 21:00. This matchup provides Cannes with a significant opportunity to achieve a memorable milestone in their club history.
Damien Ott, the coach of AS Cannes, expressed his excitement and determination ahead of the match, emphasizing the honor of facing a club with the historical pedigree of Reims.
He has been at the helm for five months and asserts that his team will focus on enjoying the match rather than succumbing to the pressures typically associated with such high-stakes encounters.
Ott remarked, "We are going to play this match because we want to give emotions to the public.
We want to enjoy and provide enjoyment."
The atmosphere at Coubertin is expected to be electric, with approximately 8,000 supporters attending to bolster the home side.
Central defender Houssen Abderrahmane highlighted the advantages of playing on home turf, stating, "We win more often than we lose here." Cannes’ captain, Cheikh N’Doye, who recently celebrated his 39th birthday, holds invaluable experience as he aims to guide his teammates through the intensity of the semi-final.
N’Doye remarked, "It is all about taking pleasure and giving our all."
Despite their aspirations, AS Cannes has faced challenges in recent weeks, experiencing two consecutive defeats in the league, which ended a remarkable 20-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
N’Doye acknowledged frustration following the team’s recent loss to Angoulême.
In light of these setbacks, Coach Ott identified the need to rejuvenate both the mental and physical energy of his squad ahead of the semi-final.
After a rare ten-day break, Ott humorously noted that managing such a long pause is foreign to his amateur club, hoping his players have reinvigorated their competitive spirit.
The presence of former footballer Luis Fernandez during the week has reignited positive memories for the team, which now has the chance to etch a new chapter in the club’s history during this crucial match.
Coach Ott expressed pride in restoring a sense of dignity to the AS Cannes supporters, hinting at further aspirations if they can advance to the final.
The passionate home crowd will play a pivotal role as the team aims for glory in one of France's most prestigious cup competitions.
Damien Ott, the coach of AS Cannes, expressed his excitement and determination ahead of the match, emphasizing the honor of facing a club with the historical pedigree of Reims.
He has been at the helm for five months and asserts that his team will focus on enjoying the match rather than succumbing to the pressures typically associated with such high-stakes encounters.
Ott remarked, "We are going to play this match because we want to give emotions to the public.
We want to enjoy and provide enjoyment."
The atmosphere at Coubertin is expected to be electric, with approximately 8,000 supporters attending to bolster the home side.
Central defender Houssen Abderrahmane highlighted the advantages of playing on home turf, stating, "We win more often than we lose here." Cannes’ captain, Cheikh N’Doye, who recently celebrated his 39th birthday, holds invaluable experience as he aims to guide his teammates through the intensity of the semi-final.
N’Doye remarked, "It is all about taking pleasure and giving our all."
Despite their aspirations, AS Cannes has faced challenges in recent weeks, experiencing two consecutive defeats in the league, which ended a remarkable 20-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
N’Doye acknowledged frustration following the team’s recent loss to Angoulême.
In light of these setbacks, Coach Ott identified the need to rejuvenate both the mental and physical energy of his squad ahead of the semi-final.
After a rare ten-day break, Ott humorously noted that managing such a long pause is foreign to his amateur club, hoping his players have reinvigorated their competitive spirit.
The presence of former footballer Luis Fernandez during the week has reignited positive memories for the team, which now has the chance to etch a new chapter in the club’s history during this crucial match.
Coach Ott expressed pride in restoring a sense of dignity to the AS Cannes supporters, hinting at further aspirations if they can advance to the final.
The passionate home crowd will play a pivotal role as the team aims for glory in one of France's most prestigious cup competitions.
