After a generally well-controlled match, OGC Nice emerged victorious against Paris 92 (31-28) on the 25th day of the Ligue Butagaz Energie. It was the last home game for the Aiglonnes, in a sizzling atmosphere.
Last home match for OGC Nice against Paris 92. The Nice team, 6th in the standings, faced the 9th in the Ligue Butagaz Energie. In a sports hall in fusion, Sebastien Mizoule’s squad was eager to perform well in front of their home crowd. An improvement over their last match against Sambre Avesnois, in which the Aiglonnes drew.
Serious start from Nice
Nice attacked from the first minutes. The team entered the match fully. The players were impactful in their duels and strong in defense. They quickly recovered the ball. After eight minutes of play, they were leading 7 to 3. Paris missed many chances in front of the Nice goal, giving Nice extra opportunities. Like their left-winger Dienaba Sy, the team was sharp.
In the last ten minutes of the first half, the debates balanced out. Paris even took the lead (9-10) after several turnovers by Nice.
In attack, the Aiglonnes were no longer as penetrating as at the beginning of the game. Even by one or two points, Paris 92 remained in the lead. The Parisian team circulated the ball better in the opponent’s half.
At the end of the first half, Nice made an effort to come back. The defense was compact, leaving less space for Parisian attacks. At the whistle, the score was (13-13). The Nice team showed character to come back.
A second act to finish the home season well
Sides switched. The Nice defense backed by twenty ultras poured their hearts and souls into supporting the team. Things started well. Nice took a two-point lead and the goalkeeper, Marija Colic, made a superb save to thrill the crowd.
The Nice players did not let up. A five-point lead (20-15) at the 38th minute. Paris was without answers. And Nice could count on their goalkeeper. There was a quarter of an hour left, and the Nice crowd continued to cheer. Some were critiquing the refereeing, “Oh, there’s a foul for Nice there.” Others sang “It’s not going in,” when the Paris attackers missed their shots. The passion resonated in hearts.
In the last five minutes, Nice continued to attack relentlessly. But the Parisians were not far behind. A reflex save by the Nice goalkeeper in the last minute allowed Nice to keep their lead. The Aiglonnes won by three points, with a score of 31 to 28.
Nice will have one last game to play against the French champions in Metz on June 8th. A duel that will be just for the sake of playing since the top 4 is no longer attainable after Dijon’s success on Toulon’s court.
