This Sunday, OGC Nice hosted AS Saint-Étienne in the Round of 64 of the French Cup. In a match where not everything went perfectly, the Aiglons secured their qualification (2-1). After nine consecutive defeats, the Gym finally rediscovered the joy of victory.
Avoiding yet another disappointment and a 10th consecutive defeat across all competitions! For its last match of the year, OGC Nice returned to the French Cup, in an Allianz Riviera behind closed doors due to sanctions imposed by the LFP following the derby loss against Olympique de Marseille. On paper, the Gym had a slight advantage against a Ligue 2 team, Saint-Étienne. For this knockout match, Franck Haise was without much of his squad, with injuries and players held back by the Africa Cup of Nations. The young Aiglons striker, Zoumana Diallo, started, marking his first minutes with the professionals in his career.
After an initial observation round, OGC Nice quickly took the lead. In the Stéphanois area, Zoumana Diallo perfectly intercepted the cross from Jonathan Clauss (1-0, 11’). Franck Haise’s men took the lead with their first real opportunity of the afternoon, thanks to their young number nine of the day (20 years old). Against a fragile defense, the Aiglons frequently used the deep ball to trouble their opponent. The Gym was not yet perfect. Teammates of Mohamed-Ali Cho also struggled in their defensive sector, as they have often this season.
OGC Nice opened the score, but the Gym suffers and concedes
With largely avoidable ball losses, the Aiglons almost frightened themselves in certain sequences. Maxime Dupé had to step in several times during this first half. In a difficult sporting situation, OGC Nice aimed to present a better image in both their gameplay and intentions. United, the Niçois did not shy away from effort. But as too often this season, the Gym ended up punishing themselves. After a poor back pass from Ndombele, Peprah Oppong was outpaced by Stassin and conceded a penalty. Zuriko Davitashvili didn’t hesitate and leveled the score just before the break (1-1, 43’). An almost logical equalizer, given how the Verts had established dominance in possession and this first half.
The second half resembled an attack/defense scenario for OGC Nice. The match pace increased, with spaces opening up in both camps. Neither Nice nor Saint-Étienne was able to make the difference and take the lead in this match. Morgan Sanson had the opportunity. But the shot from the red and black midfielder was repelled by the Stéphanois goalkeeper, Larsonneur. The lack of technical precision didn’t help in the rare Niçois offensives. Nevertheless, it was indeed the Gym that eventually found the solution twenty minutes before the end (2-1, 72’). Opportunely, Sanson perfectly struck the ball with a superb volley and beat the opposing goalkeeper. Nice took the lead.
The Aiglons secure their qualification
Trailing in the score again, ASSE played their last cards, launching their final offensive jokers. The final minutes of the match seemed very long on the Allianz Riviera side. The OGC Nice didn’t exude great serenity in defense. But the Niçois block didn’t break. Maxime Dupé was impeccable in each of his interventions. Apart from the Stéphanois penalty, Yehvann Diouf’s usual backup delivered a very interesting performance. Despite some last scares in the red and black area, the score didn’t change. More than two months later – and nine defeats – the Niçois finally find their way to victory. The CDF adventure continues for Tiago Gouveia and his teammates. With this success, Nice may have ended this crisis period before concluding their year 2025.
Heading to the Round of 32 of the French Cup for the Gym. OGC Nice will learn the identity of its opponent in the evening. The draw is scheduled for this Sunday, before the Lyon – Saint-Cyr match, the last fixture of this Round of 64. This match will be played on the weekend of January 9.
