In a closely-fought and committed encounter, Nice and Metz neutralized each other in the first leg of the playoffs semi-final (21-21, final score). There was satisfaction in the Nice camp after securing this draw. Everything will be decided in the second leg of the semi-final at the Arenas next weekend.
The tension was palpable on the azure floor during this first leg of the playoffs semi-final, between OGCN and Metz Handball, who were eliminated earlier in the week from the French Cup.
It was the Dragonnes who made the best start, relying on a solid defense and effective quick play (0-4 in the 5th minute). Having trouble in front of their home crowd, the Aiglonnes gradually got going, spurred on by the impactful Laurine Daquin (8-9 in the 22nd minute).
The end of the first half was balanced, and with a final goal from Samira Rocha, the home team managed to catch up with their opponents (10-10 at halftime).
Upon returning from the locker room, it was Sรฉbastien Gardillou’s protรฉgรฉes who perfectly exploited the Messines’ inaccuracies, taking the lead in the match (14-11 in the 34th minute).
A complicated period for the visitors prompted Emmanuel Mayonnade to quickly call a timeout. Afterward, Ana Gros’s teammates rallied, dealing a severe 4-0 blow to their evening’s opponents (14-15 in the 37th minute).
Metz Handball then regained control, but the Azurรฉennes held firm, staying close with the help of the young Aissatou Kouyate (18-19 in the 50th minute).
The end of the match was animated, with suspense at its peak. Ana Gros had the chance to secure victory for her team with a final penalty, but Clรฉopatre Darleux’s great save ensured a draw for OGCN (21-21, final score).
