Diawara gets first league win as Reims coach

Photo Credit: Stade Reims

Malian coach Samba Diawara has gotten his first ever French Ligue 1 win as coach of Stade Reims in a 27th round game. Reims stunned Olympique de Marseille 3-1 as the Stade Auguste-Delaune erupted with joy after months of disappointing results.

The 47-year-old coach replaced Luka Elsner at the start of February 2025 and late became the permanent coach at the end of the month. Under Diawara, Reims continue to score goals and secure wins. Their last Ligue 1 win came in November 2024 when they beat Le Havre 3-0 away.

Reims were too good for Marseille who are competing for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League. Keito Nakamura, Mamadou Diakhon and Valentin Atangana Edoa scored the winning goals. The first win gave Diawara and his charges some breathing space in the fight for survival. They sit 15th with 26 points.

Elsewhere, Ivorian midfielder Jeremy Boga scored in a 2-1 defeat for Nice against Monaco in the local derby. Boga has been recently overlooked by the Ivory Coast national side.

Diawara’s Reims could end the season with silverware if they reach the semifinal of the Coupe de France. The club will face Cannes in the semis. The former Malian international is the second coach from Africa to lead a French Ligue 1 team this season after Stade Rennes coach Habib Baye.