Nigerian youngster Hafiz Ibrahim put in a man-of-the-match performance to lead Reims to the French Cup Final, etching his name into the record books.
Ibrahim was named in Reims’ starting lineup for the first time in their Coupe de France semi-final fixture against Cannes at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin as Reims chased an elusive final spot for the first time since 1977.
Hafiz opened the scoring in the 14th minute, benefitting from Mamadou Diakhon’s beautiful work down the left. Diakon’s blistering pace caused numerous problems as he charged at the opposition defender before evading him brilliantly. He drove into the box before cutting the ball back to Ibrahim for a simple finish. His first goal for the club! The Nigerian striker picked the biggest occasion to grab his maiden goal for the Ligue 1 side.
Ibrahim’s goal was the difference between both sides, as Reims took the lead into the break.
The fourth-tier French side weren’t willing to give up without a fight, and captain Cheikh N’Doye struck decisively for Cannes seven minutes into the second half. The Senegalese midfielder rose highest to guide Cédric Gonçalves’s corner into the net. Game on!
Their joy was short-lived as Reims restored their lead six minutes later through 52nd minute substitute Teddy Teuma. Receiving the ball from a throw-in, Ibrahim skipped past the defender on the turn before teasing a low cross into the box and Teuma unmarked in the box, applied a calm finish.
The hosts put on a spirited performance but were undone by Reim’s clinical finishing as Les rouges et blancs defeated Les Dragons to book a slot in the final.
Reims will face Ligue 1 powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain in the final, aiming for their first major trophy since the 1991 French League Cup.
Hafiz Ibrahim joined Reims on a four-year deal from Ojodu City FC in August 2024 as a proposed move to Chelsea FC didn’t materialize. He earned himself a number of suitors after finishing as tournament top scorer at the Viareggio Cup in February 2024.
