Handball: OGC Nice plunges back into the derby against Toulon

For this 18th day of Butagaz Energy League, OGC Nice Handball faced Toulon in a Southern showdown. It was derby night at Charles-Ehrmann. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

OGC Nice hosted Toulon for a match between two teams in difficulty. Sporting difficulties for the Nice players, who experienced a significant slump in February. Administrative difficulties for the Toulon players, who received a five-point penalty in the standings for financial irregularities in club management.

Two completely different situations but which led both clubs to play secondary roles this season. Without a win tonight, the Maralpines could say goodbye to their podium chances.

Unlike recent matches, the Eagles started their game perfectly. The veterans Ehsan Abdelmalek and Maria Colic carried their teammates to quickly build a five-goal lead 6-1. A situation that prompted the Toulon coach to restore order. Combined with a loss of efficiency in attack on the Nice side, this reaction allowed the Toulon players to return too easily to the match. On several counterattacks that pierced the home side’s defensive retreat, Toulon came back to level terms.

A damaging situation that is reminiscent of the timid performances of February.

Unlike the start of the match, it was the TMV goalkeeper who gained the upper hand over the Eagles’ attack. Several fouls in transition were fatal for the home side, who let too many opportunities slip away. At halftime, Nice was trailing (11-14).

Ehsan Abdelmalek sounds the charge

The Nice players came back with a vengeance in the second half. Like Ehsan Abdelmalek and Marine Dupuis, they allowed the Gym to slightly close the gap. More aggressive in defense, the Eagles remained shaky in attack and failed to fully make up their deficit. Worse, it widened again to five goals in favor of TMV. Only Ehsan Abdelmalek, in excellent form since the start of the year, managed to limit the damage against a very well-organized Toulon defense.

On the other side, Mari Finstad had no doubts. The Toulon attack leader was causing havoc for the Eagles in their quest for a comeback. Only a miracle seemed able to save Nice from a sixth match without a win in seven games. This miracle could have been called Marie Sajka. With a goal on her return in the second half, the French international gave some hope. Like their top scorer from last season, struggling physically, the Nice players failed to get back on track.

Marija Colic’s return to the goal changed nothing. When things aren’t going your way… The Nice players lost the derby (24-29), despite Ehsan Abdelmalek still being far above the rest.

In the standings, OGC Nice Handball drops one place as Paris 92 moves ahead. The Maralpines have certainly given up their European ambitions, now six points behind Chambray (3rd). Especially since for the next match, on April 1st, Sébastien Mizoule’s players will travel to Metz.