This match is eagerly anticipated in the capital of Anjou and will indeed be played to a sold-out crowd, as 10,000 spectators have managed to grab the coveted ticket. From the Nice side, Antonetti has Cédric Kanté and Drissa Diakité back, eliminated from the African Cup of Nations with the Mali team, but will have to do without Olivier Echouafni, who is suspended, and possibly without Yahia, suffering from groin issues. Within the Angers club, the infirmary has emptied to the great joy of coach Jean-Louis Garcia, who will be able to count on his entire squad and his wildcard acquisition from the transfer market, Algerian international Mansour Boutabout, brought in to strengthen the Angers attack.
This year, Grenoble, Le Havre, and Troyes have managed to win at Angers, so the Eaglets will need to take inspiration from these three teams to avoid going into overtime and possibly penalty shots, which could leave marks before hosting Olympique de Marseille in a derby that all of Nice is eagerly awaiting.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has appointed the referees for the Angers – Nice match on Saturday, February 2nd (Round of 16 of the French Cup). Stéphane Lannoy will officiate the match, assisted by Eric Lansault and Corinne Lagrange.
The Nice squad: Lloris, Letizi, Yahia, Jeunechamp, Kante, Rool, Cid, Gace, Barul, Hellebuyck, Balmont, Diakite, Traore, Ederson, Laslandes, Bamogo, Modeste, Larbi, and Ozokwo.
