OGC Nice Handball was held to a draw by the Piraths of Strasbourg Achenheim Truchtersheim (26-26) during the 15th day of the Ligue Butagaz Énergie. In front of a packed Charles Ehrmann gymnasium, the women of Nice led for a long time before seeing their opponent snatch the equalizer in the last minutes.
The beginning of the match was complicated for the Aiglonnes, who quickly found themselves trailing 5-1 after just five minutes of play. Struggling against a Strasbourg goalkeeper in great form, they had difficulty finding the back of the net. At the eighth minute, a burst of pride allowed the women of Nice to increase the pace. More solid in defense, they reduced the gap and came back to 8-5 in the 15th minute. Marija Čolić, after a difficult start to the match, made several saves, allowing her team to catch up in the score. Five minutes before the break, Nice went ahead (10-9) before going back to the locker room with a four-goal lead (13-9).
A disappointing second half
The second half began at a more balanced pace. The two teams matched each other blow for blow, maintaining the gap at around five goals. In the 34th minute, a spectacular save by the Nice goalkeeper prevented Strasbourg from catching up before a blistering counter-attack allowed Nice to widen the gap to 16-11.
With ten minutes left, the women of Nice were still leading 24-19 and seemed to be in control. But the women of Strasbourg didn’t give up. Taking advantage of several mistakes and a defensive lapse, they gradually reduced the gap. Five minutes before the end, they came back to 25-24. Nicole Wiggins came into play and made two crucial saves, but a third Alsatian attempt hit home: 25-25 with three minutes to the end.
The last seconds were breathless. Nice lost possession due to excessive haste and Strasbourg had the ultimate chance to win. But the Nice defense held strong. The final whistle sealed a frustrating draw (26-26), celebrated like a victory by the Alsatians.
Despite this result, Nice remains fourth thanks to the defeat of Chambray Touraine at Metz. Next meeting on March 14 at home against Brest (kick-off at 8:30 PM).
