A grand first for OGC Nice Côte d’Azur Handball, which will play this evening at the Charles Erhmann Sports Hall (at 8:30 PM) in the first championship final in its history. Having defeated Brest Bretagne Handball in the semi-final, OGCN is preparing to challenge Metz, the reigning French champion.
A huge challenge for Jannela Blonbou’s teammates, who have been defeated three times this season by Metz. Outclassed in their two duels in the regular phase of the championship (31-21 and 25-34), the Aiglonnes gave the Dragonnes a hard time in the French Cup semi-final (24-19).
Qualified for the EHF Cup for the 2019-2020 season, Nice approaches this final with a sense of accomplishment and will strive to surpass themselves to put an end to Lorraine’s hegemony in the LFH.
A significant challenge, facing a Metz Handball team determined to retain its national crown, which it hasn’t lost for three years.
Emmanuel Mayonnade’s players approach this Playoffs final in a particular context, after their historic participation last weekend in the Final 4 of the Champions League in Budapest.
The players from Metz will need to manage their trip to Nice well, facing an opponent that has had time to recharge. Grace Zaadi’s teammates have experience with this intense pace, and they are eager to bounce back after their defeats in the Champions League.
Injured in the thigh against Kristiansand, Manon Houette will not be part of the game, the only absence to report on the Lorraine side, while Nice is expected to present a full squad.
