Highly-rated Nigerian talent Hafiz Ibrahim scored his first goal for Reims and assisted another, helping his side secure a 2-1 victory over Cannes in their Coupe De France semi-final clash on Wednesday.
Reims came into the game looking to reach the Cup final for the first time since 1977, while fourth-tier Cannes were hoping to recreate their 1932 Coupe de France triumph.
The hosts were quickly brought back to reality as they went behind in the 14th minute when Mamadou Diakhon darted past his marker before setting up Hafiz Ibrahim for a tidy close-range finish, giving the Ligue 1 side the advantage.
Cannes unwilling to give up, put up a spirited display and were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Cedric Goncalves delivered a corner to the back post, where Cheikh N’doye met the cross with a brilliant header, leveling the scoreline and sending the home fans to a frenzy of celebration.
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However, the home side’s celebrations only lasted for a few minutes as Reims regained their lead in the 58th minute through substitute Teddy Teuma, with a low cross from Hafiz Ibrahim finding the Malta star unmarked in the box, before he converted from close range to dampen the spirits of the Cannes’ supporters.
Despite their late efforts to level the scoreline once again, Cannes were unable to keep their Coupe De France hopes alive, ultimately losing 2-1 to Reims at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.
The result means that Reims are now into the Coupe De France final where they will face Paris Saint Germain, highly motivated to lift the title for the first time since 1958.
Hafiz Ibrahim will be hoping to continue his impressive form which has seen him score once and contribute two assists in his last two games. The Nigerian talent, who was also on trial with Chelsea in 2024, will be seeking to become a regular for Reims as they fight to avoid relegation and make history in the cup.
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