The Nice team won their match this evening against Stella Saint-Maur (29-25) at the Charles-Ehrmann Sports Hall. This collective victory was built over time, thanks to another solid performance by Marie-Hélène Sajka.
At home, OGC Nice Côte d’Azur Handball made the difference at the end of the match on the 7th day of the Ligue Butagaz Énergie. After two defeats at the hands of Metz and Brest before the international break, the Nice team managed to bounce back. Facing Stella Saint-Maur, a team in great difficulty that had gone six matches without a win, Sebastien Mizoule’s players played a consistent and focused handball game.
From the very first minutes, both teams responded blow for blow. Marie-Hélène Sajka opened the scoring in the 44th second. The team from the Ile-de-France region briefly took the lead (3-2), but Nice quickly responded, notably thanks to captain Marine Dupuis, who scored two consecutive goals, including one from a seven-meter throw, and Dienaba Sy, who were effective in structured play. By the 8th minute, the scoreboard already displayed (6-3) in favor of Nice.
Saint-Maur did not give up. Touré and Boisorieux brought the visitors back level (13-13) just before halftime, before Whitney Semedo Monteiro restored the lead to the locals. OGC Nice returned to the locker room with a narrow lead (14-13).
Marie-Hélène Sajka leads, Nice accelerates
Upon returning from the locker room, Saint-Maur regained confidence. Boisorieux leveled immediately before Genyah and then Rezgui allowed the visitors to take the lead (15-17, 38th minute). The Nice team responded immediately. Ehsan Abdelmalek and Marie-Hélène Sajka got their team back on track while the defense tightened up. The turning point of the match occurred around the 45th minute. Whitney Semedo Monteiro and then Margot Le Blévec scored two consecutive goals, giving a decisive advantage (22-20). Following that, Dienaba Sy and Ehsan Abdelmalek widened the gap. Nice managed their lead without rushing.
Saint-Maur tried to come back through Rezgui and Delorme, but Nice maintained control. Marie-Hélène Sajka, once again, scored six times in the final quarter, bringing her total to ten goals for the entire match. She confirmed her central role in the Nice attack, effective both from the seven-meter throw and in play.
The last word went to Margot Le Blévec, who scored the 29th goal in the final minute. The final score (29-25) reflects the progressive command of the Aiglonnes, capable of handling weak moments while keeping the direction steady.
With this result, OGC Nice handball climbs to 4th place in the championship. The Nice team will need to confirm their return to form in about ten days in Paris.
