Sensation in the Coupe de France
© Imago
Sensation in the Coupe de France: Fourth division AS Cannes is in the semi -finals. The club from the city on the Côte d’Azur, which is known for its film festival worldwide, is experiencing its own Hollywood fairy tale. After Grenoble Foot 38 and FC Lorient, the AS Cannes switched off the third second division team on Tuesday evening at home in the quarter -finals with EA Guingamp. For Les Dragons it is the first entry into the round of the last four since 1992.
Chafik Abbas (23rd minute) and Cédric Gonçalves (30th) put the outsider in the first half, but shortly after the change of sides, the leader of the Championnat National 2 – Groupe A had to accept the connection goal through Jacques Siwe (46th). Julien Domingues (69.), in the middle of the second round with his goal to the 3-1 final score, made the decision.
“I have to admit that we cannot understand it,” said coach Damien Ott after the final whistle. “If you tell them that they are in the semi -finals of the French Cup, do they think: Is that a joke? What’s going on here? This is not possible. A team from the National 2 in the semi -finals of the French Cup after a game that deservedly won – without being too arrogant – that is afraid. I am amazed at the way the boys play, how brave they are, that is impressive. Sometimes I can’t believe it because they are so great. “
The AS Cannes is the sixth team from the fourth division that has made it into the round of the French trophies since 2000. While Rufc Calais even made the final in 2000, FC Montceau Bourgogne (2007), Qevilly – Rouen Métropole (2010), GFA Rumilly Vallières (2021) and FC Versailles 78 (2022) ended in the semi -finals. There, coach Ott absolutely wants to avoid Paris Saint-Germain, who competes on Wednesday evening (9:10 p.m.) at Stade Briochin-also a fourth division.
“I tell you who I definitely want, that’s PSG,” Ott looked ahead. “That would not be a football game, that would only be a gala game, that’s not interesting, they are too strong.” Either way, the challenge was to “always produce a spectacle.” The Cannes coach hopes to be hosting again in the semifinals in its own Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin. “I only have one wish: that we can play the semi -finals here again. It would be dramatic to play in a large, impersonal stadium where we are not. We are here. I don’t know if the rules allow us to play the semi -finals in Coubertin, but it would be magical to stay here. I feel a real atmosphere. “
