The OGC Nice Côte d’Azur Handball team perfectly managed their evening at the Charles-Ehrmann Sports Hall, winning (33–28) against Sambre Avesnois. A success driven by a prolific attack and solid defense.
We last left OGC Nice handball with a beautiful victory this Sunday on Toulon’s field. Tonight, at home against Sambre Avesnois, the players coached by Sébastien Mizoule repeated the feat. Third before the match, closely followed by Plan-de-Cuques, the Azureans needed a result against the second-to-last in the standings to confirm hopes of a podium finish strong> at the end of the season.
To achieve this, the Niçoises started strong. Led by a Marie-Hélène Sajka visibly in better form compared to the last match and her return from the French team, OGC Nice handball set the pace of the game. The right-back quickly scored her first goals. While Sambre managed to respond, Cécilia Errin , in goal at the start of the match, remained vigilant and made four saves in six minutes!
Hanna Ahlen also provided valuable contribution, alternating between long-range shots and breaking through the defense. The Eaglet team relied on a highly productive back line to maintain the lead. At halftime, Nice logically led 18–16.
Marie Sajka as leader, Hanna Ahlen as dynamo: Nice accelerates
The second half confirmed Nice’s growing dominance. Marie-Hélène Sajka (ten goals) once again played a highly prolific game with only four missed shots. Alongside her, Hanna Ahlen (seven goals) delivered an equally crucial performance. Her ability to string together positive actions – shots, counter-play, breakthroughs – swung the match.
Julie Pontoppidan, captain Marine Dupuis (four goals each), and Emma Rouly (two goals) rounded out a well-distributed Nice attack, capable of finding solutions in all areas. All expertly led by Eshan Abdelmalek.
While the attack shone, the defense was not to be outdone. Marija Colic, who entered in the second half, made several crucial saves in the money-time, particularly against Maëlle Chalmandrier (six goals) and Mathilde Melique. Despite some temporary exclusions, the Eaglets managed their weaker moments well overall.
OGC Nice handball thus secured their ninth victory (33-28) of the season in eleven matches. The Niçoises consolidated their third-place position by taking advantage of Plan-de-Cuques’ misstep against the unstoppable Brest team. Next match for the Azureans is in a week on the field of Besançon, with kickoff at 8 PM.
