This Wednesday, OGC Nice played its Coupe de France semi-final on RCSA’s pitch. With a solid collective performance, the Gym managed to secure its place for the grand final (0-2). Against Lens, the Eagles will have the opportunity to write a new chapter in their history.
In a season where OGC Nice experienced ups and downs, disappointments, and setbacks, who would have bet on the presence of the Azurean club in the Coupe de France final on May 22 at the Stade de France? Not many, and yet, the teammates of Antoine Mendy have earned the legitimacy and the chance to win a trophy after weeks and months of struggles. This Wednesday at Meinau, the Eagles showed character and strength. The Niçois displayed a spirit of solidarity, a mentality they had long lacked.
Although organized around a particularly defensive 5-4-1 formation, OGC Nice had the intention to play its chance to the fullest. The teammates of Morgan Sanson opted to punish Strasbourg for every Alsatian ball loss. Claude Puel‘s plan nearly worked. On one of the first opportunities for Nice, Elye Wahi – although offside was called at the end of the move – hit the post of Penders on his way. Behind this, the Gym suffered, but the Eagles did not yield.
OGC Nice also gave the opponent the chance to retaliate. There were numerous technical errors and avoidable ball losses. Nice handed out opportunities. However, Strasbourg’s offensive clumsiness prevented the RCSA from taking the lead. Alone on the six-meter line, Diego Moreira sent the ball into the clouds. The Gym can breathe!
Elye Wahi in the role of the guide
After the break, Strasbourg’s pressure increased. The opportunities followed one another, yet OGC Nice opened the scoring (0-1, 51’). On a model counter-attack, Elye Wahi – after a superb deep run – adjusted the opposing goalkeeper. The Eagles have one foot in the Coupe de France final! Strasbourg responded, pushed, but couldn’t succeed. At home, the RCSA never found the solution to break through the Niçois block.
Maxime Dupé, heroic in each of his interventions, a red and black defense that held strong, a successful tactic, and a Wahi in excellent form: these were the ingredients of the night for OGC Nice. Long isolated in this match, the Eagles’ striker provided the cushion – with a penalty – for his teammates (0-2, 80’). This time, the semi-final chose its side, that of the Niçois. Nothing more could happen in this match. Juma Bah and his team can rejoice; they achieved the impossible: Nice eliminated Strasbourg, the Gym is in the final!
Four years later, OGC Nice will return to the Stade de France. The Eagles already know their future opponent for this Coupe de France final: RC Lens. The clash is scheduled for May 22. The Gym will have the opportunity to write a new page of its history.
