By hosting Auxerre, the Eagles were duty-bound to lift their heads after the defeat against TFC and to reassure themselves for the rest of their journey. They succeeded brilliantly, scoring three goals that warmed the hearts of the fans and allowed the players to move forward with more confidence.
It was a typical start of the match reflecting the Nice DNA that the Eagles offered us while hosting AJ Auxerre. Everything unfolded like a psychologist’s diagnosis aimed at studying and guiding players shaken by a bitter defeat last week (0-1) against TFC in stoppage time. Shaken but highly motivated, the Eagles started their match by outclassing their opponent right from the start, scoring in the 3rd minute through Jérémie Boga who capitalized on a cross to the far post from Tom Louchet alone on the right side. The Nice number 7 didn’t hesitate to strike the ball with his right foot and beat Donovan Leon! Nice starts strong and reassures (1-0)!
To the great delight of the Eagles
During the following ten minutes, the Nicois seemed to control the game, even missing two chances to extend the lead, but the Auxerrois repositioned well by moving the block up to the center of the field, allowing them to breathe and exert some pressure on the Nice defense. It was precisely this that allowed Lassine Sinayoko, who seems to have shaken off the pressure caused by his transfer affair, to equalize with a beautiful right-footed shot (1-1).
When we thought the Eagles were weakened by this equalizer, the response from the locals was extremely swift. Jérémie Boga, on the left side, serves Nice’s new recruit Kevin Carlos in the box who controls. Clément Akpa marking the new OGC Nice striker attempts to recover the ball but ultimately propels it into his own net (own goal), much to the fans’ delight, relieved to regain the lead just three short minutes later!
Despite an excellent Sinayoko
The troubles for Auxerre were set to worsen with the expulsion of their goalkeeper Donovan Léon, after a tackle on Isak Jansson right in front of the goal area. The Nice player was racing alone towards scoring the third. Auxerre would finish the match with 10 players and the Eagles did not hesitate to take advantage of this highly favorable numerical superiority!
It was realized right from the restart, with better ball movement and fine build-up play, worthy of football academies. But do not be mistaken if you think Auxerre had given up. It would be disrespectful towards the unrelenting Lassine Sinayoko who gave the Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf some scares with a powerful left-footed shot, fortunately deflected by the well-positioned Nice keeper, solid on this night. The Auxerrois managed to make some differences and pose a threat despite their numeric disadvantage.
Winning coaching from Franck Haise
The introductions of Terem Moffi and Badredine Bouannani breathed even more life into the Nice attack, which was showing some jitters as minutes passed. It was following these changes that the Eagles made a breakthrough after a beautiful offensive combination. Pablo Rosario, back in the team after showing intentions to leave, tries his luck from the edge of the area with his right foot, but Théo De Percin deflects the ball into the path of Tom Louchet, who calmly passes it to Terem Moffi who heads the ball into the goal (3-1).
The Nigerian striker narrowly missed a double two minutes later, much to his regret. The fourth goal wouldn’t have been too much in this ending phase, which saw OGC Nice breathe much easier and collect three precious points for the rest of the championship. And 1 and 2 and 3 goals to lift the spirits and start the season on the right tracks!
The statement:
Franck Haise: “There are still plenty of imperfections, but I find that there was energy. Just look at our first goal. Those who played and those who came in did quite well. I am pleased with the mindset.
Rosario? I am very happy to have him. You can see that he is doing well. I hope to have him as long as possible. Jérémie Boga, as long as he is here, if he plays at this level, he is a contender for a starting spot. Competition is good for everyone.”
