After leading for a large portion of the match, OGC Nice was caught up in the last quarter-hour by FC Metz (1-1).
The people from Nice may have regrets tonight. After losing this week against Brest, they were eager to taste victory again. They started the match with determination, showing quality possession play. Very quickly, they set the pace of the match.
Boudaoui thought he put his team ahead after receiving a superb pass from Amine Gouiri. But the goal was ruled out for offside. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the Gym players, who launched another attack on the Metz goal. Just two minutes later, Gouiri earned a penalty after his shot was blocked by Kouyaté’s hand. The former Lyon player took it himself and deceived the Metz goalkeeper, Oukidja, by shooting centrally. Adrian Ursea’s team logically led (0-1) after 18 minutes of play.
FC Metz tried to react with counterattacks. The Nice defense, which has been error-prone for several weeks, struggled against the Metz accelerations. Gueye was the main threat, but Benitez managed to parry his attempts.
In the second half, the match continued at the same pace as the first half. The Aiglons had ball possession but struggled to find the break in the final meters. On the other side, Frédéric Antonetti’s players found more space in the opposing game.
Close to extending their lead, the Gym faced Oukidja, who made a nice double save in the 61st minute. The pace slowed after this action. Few opportunities from either side. This was the chance for Ursea to bring back Kasper Dolberg, who had been absent for four matches.
The Grenats, increasingly persistent, eventually found the breakthrough thanks to John Boye in the 79th minute (1-1). After that, the Niçois tried to snatch victory but could not put the opposing goalkeeper in danger. With this draw, the Azuréens remain in the 13th place in the rankings. Next match, January 17 at home against Bordeaux.
Reaching the conclusion 10 minutes before the end, the Aiglons let slip 2 points tonight on the pitch at FC Metz.
Calendar: Next match Sunday 17 against the @girondins #FCMOGCN #OGCNice pic.twitter.com/hi3j2Bilst
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) January 9, 2021
