OGC Nice Handball was defeated (29–25) at Plan-de-Cuques during the 21st day of the Ligue Butagaz Énergie. A result that could prove costly at the end of the season in the quest for the podium, or even a qualification for the European Cup next season.
Slowing down compared to the beginning of the season, OGC Nice Handball needed to bounce back this Saturday evening at Plan-de-Cuques, a direct competitor for the podium and the European qualifying spots for the next campaign. However, the Mediterranean team had three wins in their last four games. The Nice team could not say the same. With only two wins and a draw since early February, the Nice machine had stalled. A complicated situation coinciding with the absence and poor form of Marie Sajka. It was time for a rebound against Plan-de-Cuques.
OGC Nice started the match with an early goal from their captain Marine Dupuis. This lead was quickly wiped out by an opposing series that brought the score to 4–1. The Nice team then found their rhythm, with Ehsan Abdelmalek, who has been carrying the team since the start of the year, and Wendy Semedo Monteiro bringing the Aiglonnes back to parity. This alternation set the tone for a first half filled with constant comebacks, often built after short sequences and well-exploited shots. Nice returned twice to 8–8, then to 11–11, before conceding two goals just before the break, whistled at 13–11 in favor of the locals.
OGC Nice cracked at the end of the match
The second half resumed at the same pace. Plan-de-Cuques regained a three-goal lead, but Nice responded with goals from Julie Pontoppidan, the inevitable Ehsan Abdelmalek (seven goals), and Marine Dupuis (six goals). The seven-meter throws from the two offensive leaders kept Sébastien Mizoule’s team in the game.
Exclusions, however, caused disruptions in this match, notably the last one. Slightly trailing by three goals with ten minutes left, the Maralpines found themselves outnumbered. The gap widened to +5 and the Nice players were overwhelmed in intensity. Despite encouragement from Ehsan Abdelmalek, it was to no avail.
The end of the match showed a team still capable of a comeback. Emma Rouly scored in the last minutes, bringing the Azureans back to three goals, then Louna Benezeth narrowed the gap once again. But the momentum was halted by Lola Berrais, imperious on a seven-meter throw. The final score was settled by Mahoua Audrey Dembele (29–25).
OGC Nice (6th) is now behind Plan-de-Cuques in the standings, trailing by one point. A precarious position pending the result of Dijon tomorrow, which could overtake them with a win in their postponed match.
Now, the players of OGC Nice Handball must achieve an almost flawless finish to hope for a top 5 spot. The home game against Chambray, on Wednesday, May 6th (8 pm), promises to be decisive and could already dictate the end of the season for the Nice team.
