Stade Reims and coach Samba Diawara ready for Coupe de France semi-final
- Omna Taddele
- Apr 1
- 1 min read
Malian coach Samba Diawara could make history later tonight when his Stade de Reims side face fourth division club Cannes in the Coupe de France semifinal at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. The two-time Coupe de France champions are hoping to progress at the expense of heavy underdogs Cannes.
Since being appointed coach of Reims, Diawara has won only one Ligue 1 match. The 47-year-old coach said the mood at Reims is high. "The players are very committed. They know that something big can happen as a result of this match. I sense desire, not overconfidence."
Reims won a league game for the first time since November 2024 last weekend when they beat Olympique de Marseille 3-1. Diawara said they should build on this win. "A small run is starting; it's up to us to continue it. We're going to approach this match like a Ligue 1 match."
Diawara also warned his players to avoid complacency. "After the victory against Marseille, I felt relieved but we can't afford to be euphoric. We have an important match to prepare for against Cannes and we mustn't forget that the situation in the league remains the same."
Reims last reached the semifinals in 1988 under legendary Argentine coach Carlos Bianchi. Holders Paris Saint-Germain defeated Ligue 2 side Dunkerque 4-2 on Tuesday to book their place in the final and await Wednesday's winner.
