The China Mail - Reims edge out fourth-tier Cannes to set up PSG French Cup final

Cannes were looking to become the first fourth-tier club to reach the final since Calais lost to Nantes in the 2000 showpiece, but came up just short.

Instead Ligue 1 side Reims moved to within one win of lifting their first major trophy since the 1991 French League Cup.

They will face PSG, who came from two goals down to defeat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 on Tuesday, at the Stade de France on May 24.

Reims took a 14th-minute lead when Mamadou Diakhon powered to the byline and pulled the ball back for his fellow 19-year-old Hafiz Ibrahim to turn the ball into an empty net.

Cannes pushed forward in search of an equaliser but almost fell two goals down before the half-hour mark when Reims countered from a corner, but Keito Nakamura could only drag his shot narrowly wide.

The hosts were dreaming of the final, though, when captain Cheikh N'Doye levelled seven minutes after half-time.

The 39-year-old former Senegal midfielder rose highest at the back post to head home Cedric Goncalves' corner.

But Reims restored their advantage before the hour mark, Ibrahim teeing up substitute Teddy Teuma to score.

Cannes piled on the pressure, but Reims held on to keep their hopes of a third French Cup title, and first since 1958, alive.

S.Davis--ThChM