Ligue 1: Nice climbs to three points off the podium after its success in Angers

OGC Nice imposed itself (0-2) away this Sunday afternoon on the pitch of SCO Angers. A tricky match between two teams with completely opposite dynamics.

After their success against Rennes (5-2) the previous week, OGC Nice wanted to confirm their return to form on the pitch of SCO Angers, this Sunday afternoon, for the 10th day of Ligue 1. The Eagles strung together a second consecutive league victory and achieved a fourth win in five matches. Driven by a rediscovered attack, notably with Elye Wahi in great form, Gym continued their climb up the standings by coming within three points of the podium before this match. Facing an Angers side that had been winless for four matches, Olivier Pantaloni’s men had the opportunity to confirm their momentum and continue their positive run of four wins and two draws from their last six away matches in Anjou.

To corroborate this momentum, Nice started at full speed by immediately putting pressure on an Angers team lacking confidence. On their first chance, the Nice players strolled through a completely apathetic local defense. Well served by Niels Nkounkou on the left flank, Mohammed Amoura managed to escape down the touchline. The Algerian striker then cut back into the center to serve Sofiane Diop, unmarked at the six-yard box, who only had to slide the ball into Antony Lopes’ net. A goal celebrated by the entire team around their coach, Olivier Pantaloni, who was bereaved this week by the death of his father.

Very well organized, the Eagles maintained control of the game against a team struggling with their passes. Yet it was the locals who monopolized the ball during this first quarter of an hour, without really being dangerous despite winning numerous duels in midfield. Conversely, Nice created another great chance thanks to a superb opening from Mohammed Amoura for Elye Wahi, who however missed the target in a difficult shooting position.

Nevertheless, SCO reacted and put Yevann Diouf to work after a good pass from Amine Sbai for Joseph Kalulu, whose shot was repelled by the Nice goalkeeper. If Nice seemed capable of making a difference with each attack, the intensity of the match gradually dropped. Angers tried to show more commitment to get back into it, but without success before halftime.

OGC Nice finishes strong

Despite the short advantage of the Azureans, nothing was decided in this match which SCO’s players resumed on a good note upon returning from the dressing room. If Elye Wahi missed another one-on-one with Antony Lopes shortly before the hour mark, Amine Sbai managed to get past Nice’s defense before being stopped in the nick of time by Youssouf Ndayishimiye.

Nice proved more clinical in front of Angers’ goal, with the locals regularly saved by their keeper, who reminded everyone of his best Lyonnais years. As the match gradually lost intensity, OGC Nice managed to regain possession. After a long phase of possession, as at the start of the match, Jonathan Clauss made it 2-0 with a dry strike from a very narrow angle, following a magnificent three-man move with Elye Wahi and Gauthier Hein.

From then on, nothing seemed able to destabilize the Côte d’Azur players, who headed towards another victory despite a few breakthroughs by the locals in the Eagles’ area. Final score: (0-2). Thanks to this victory, Nice settles into the upper part of the table, in fifth place, just three points off the podium. Now comes the international break before the reception of the PSG at the Allianz Riviera, on November 21 at 5:15 PM.