Fourth Division Cannes Stuns Everyone by Advancing to French Cup Semi-Finals

French football has witnessed the rise of new champions: Cannes, currently leading the fourth division. On Tuesday night, they triumphed over second-division Guingamp with a 3-1 victory, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the domestic cup and sparking nostalgia for the days when the club from the charming Côte d’Azur was amongst the elite.

As the final whistle blew on Tuesday’s match, the Pierre de Coubertin stadium, filled with 10,000 enthusiastic fans, erupted with joy. “It’s surreal,” remarked their coach, Damien Ott, amidst the jubilant celebrations of the crowd and players.

Cannes has been on an unbeaten streak since October 19, currently sitting atop their league, largely thanks to striker Julien Dominguez. He sealed the deal with a goal in the 69th minute, marking his 10th goal in just six cup appearances. Dominguez boasts an astonishing average of a goal every 48 minutes, making him the top scorer of the competition.

Chafik Abbas and Cédric Goncalves had already given the underdogs a head start in the first half. Goncalves’ goal, which made it 2-1, was truly spectacular. From just inside the opponent’s half, he launched a long-range strike that left the goalkeeper grasping at thin air.

Having previously eliminated two other second-tier sides in earlier rounds—Grenoble and Lorient—Ott has no intention of halting their momentum now.

“We’re challenging the norms and relishing every moment,” he said, beaming with enthusiasm.

Looking ahead to the semi-finals set for April 1st or 2nd, yet to be determined, he definitely hopes to avoid a matchup with Paris Saint-Germain. The French giants are set to play their quarter-final against Stade Briochin, another fourth division club, on Wednesday evening.

Cannes has captured the attention of French football fans for the first time in years. Historically, the club has played in the top tier (most recently in 1998) and is notable for launching the careers of legends like Zinédine Zidane and Patrick Vieira. However, financial difficulties led to the closure of their prestigious training academy and the loss of their professional status. For a year and a half, Jan Koller, who had stepped away from his successful career in the third division, sought to aid the club’s resurgence while residing in nearby Monaco.

Now, though, Cannes appears to be on the path back to prominence. Under the auspices of the American consortium Friedkin Group, they have set their sights on promotion to the third division. And as far as their cup journey goes, they aim to replicate the glory they last tasted nearly a century ago in 1932.

“It’s like a gamble. We’re all in, wagering significantly for a major return. And right now, we’re succeeding,” Ott added.

Cannes 3 – Guingamp 1