Happy New Year
The victory against Valenciennes on Saturday night, on a waterlogged pitch and with continuous rain, ideally concludes a remarkable 2007 for OGC Nice. From January to May 2007, the Aiglons had to slog to stay in Ligue 1. The ranking (16th) is certainly not flattering, nor is the number of points (43), but it is the consequence of six catastrophic first months. In 2007, Frédéric Antonetti’s players collected 56 points, that is 15 wins, 17 draws, and 8 losses (only one at home in January against Toulouse). With 56 points, the Gym would have finished eighth last season, just two points away from the Champions League.
Happy Holidays
Pancho Abardonado. Jacques Abardonado arrived in the summer of 2002 from Lorient where he had been on loan from Olympique de Marseille. In six seasons with OGC Nice and 174 Ligue 1 matches, Pancho has experienced it all with the Azurean club: top of the table in his first season and fights for survival. In every circumstance, he knew how to apply himself and put all his will into the red and black club. With his temperament, love for the jersey, and kindness off the field, he won over the supporters. Over the seasons, he, a native of Marseille, became Niçois at heart. At 29, Pancho decided to move to Germany, to Nuremberg, for more playing time and to discover a new championship. On Saturday night, the supporters gave him a beautiful tribute throughout the match by chanting his nickname. Frédéric Antonetti brought him on at the 90th minute and the 10,000 spectators stood as one to celebrate this emblematic player of modern OGC Nice. At the final whistle, his teammates carried him in triumph and took him around the Ray stadium one last time for an ovation that Pancho Abardonado truly deserved. Thank you and Issa Pancho. You are at home here in Nice. Come back whenever you want…
Florent Balmont and Olivier Echouafni. The two OGC Nice midfielders were honored at the start of the match for their hundredth appearance in the red and black jersey of OGC Nice. These two lungs of the Gym, like Abardonado, are emblems of the Azurean club. Florent Balmont, soon to be 28, arrived in 2004 from Lyon. He scored four goals in the championship during his first season, including a very important one against Bordeaux in the League Cup quarter-final in 2006. Olivier Echouafni, 35, settled in July 2003. He too scored four goals in the championship. He is currently the captain of the Aiglons.
Nice-Valenciennes
The match was played in pouring rain. The pitch looked like a swamp. The quality of the match suffered. The first half was quite dull and lacking in chances: David Hellebuyck was dangerous three times from set-pieces and then with a shot from the edge of the box well-served by Habib Bamogo, who quickly replaced Baky Koné injured in the thigh. Valenciennes could have capitalized on a mix-up between Hugo Lloris and Cédric Kanté in the 12th minute after a cross from former Niçois Audel (quickly replaced by Grégory Pujol). Ten minutes later, Steve Savidan made poor use of a bad clearance from Kanté. During this first period, there were two crucial moments. First, Bezzaz’s dismissal in the 17th minute following a harsh tackle on Cyril Jeunechamp. Then, just before halftime, David Hellebuyck, with a left-foot rocket into the top corner, allowed the Aiglons to open the scoring after a huge misunderstanding between Sébo and Ouaddou. Nice took the lead and would not be caught. In the last 45 minutes, Valenciennes monopolized the ball but could not pose any danger. The Aiglons countered. And if they did not score a second goal, they owed it first to the talent of Nicolas Penneteau. The northern goalkeeper made an exceptional save in the 75th minute on a powerful shot from Habib Bamogo that was heading for the top corner. They also owed it to Ederson’s awkwardness, who, alone at the far post with almost an open goal, found a way to do the hardest thing: send the ball into the stands.
Nice won 1-0 and joined their opponents in sixth place. Northerners and Azureans are inseparable. The two teams finished with the same number of points (43) last season. Despite the defeat, Antoine Kombouaré’s players confirmed that they were not in that ranking by chance. They are solid, fast, and technical. They can play on all fronts. On the Azurean side, the new players stood out. Habib Bamogo was very lively. He won many duels, often found paths to the goal, but due to a lack of realism or the talent of the opposing goalkeeper, he could not start his goal tally. David Hellebuyck showcased the quality of his left foot on his powerful shot that gave OGC Nice the win. He recovered many balls, frequently took the left corridor to overrun the Valenciennes defense. A good match for the former Stéphanois and Parisian. Cyril Jeunechamp is gaining momentum. Positioned as a right-back, he made no defensive errors, well aided by Bezzaz’s exit which left his side uncovered. He was very meticulous in his interventions and played very judiciously. He advanced only when opportune. A very good match from the Gard native.
The Niçois can go on vacation with a smile and the satisfaction of a job well done. Back on the field on January 5 for the reception of Le Havre in the Coupe de France to start 2008, which we hope will be as good as 2007. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
