OGC Nice Handball secured a win (34-27) at home against Toulon. The Nice team is at the top of Group B in the French Women’s Cup with two victories in two matches.
OGC Nice Handball hosted the Toulon women’s team for the second day of Group B in the French Cup. In the first match, the Nice team defeated Toulouse. Their opponent for the evening had dispatched Nîmes in their first group match. Clearly, the stakes are high, taking the group’s top spot and positioning for qualification. Confident after their home victory in the Butagaz League, the home team was determined to perform well in this French Cup.
At the start of the match, the scenario was the same as last week. Clément Alcacer’s team was comfortable in attack and quickly took the lead with a five-goal advantage. But this time, Toulon was not backing down and held on. The visitors took advantage of a lapse in the Nice defense to level the score and take the lead in the process. They led (12-11), but at home, the Aiglonnes responded immediately with two goals and regained control of the game. Provoked, the teammates of Ehsan Abdelmalek soared and scored four consecutive goals. This offensive succession allowed the Aiglonnes to lead (17-13) at halftime.
The game turns into a showcase
The short period during which Toulon led was anecdotal given how the superiority of the Nice team flooded the venue. The beginning of the second half exemplified this perfectly. An avalanche of goals once again overwhelmed the Toulon team. The Nice team even managed to secure an 11-goal lead. Riding high, the goalkeepers also stood out by showcasing their range of saves. A well-orchestrated performance that continued until the final second. Toulon would come back on the score and reduce the gap. But it was indeed Nice who logically won (34-27).
The red and blacks take the sole lead of the group. They are more determined than ever as they head towards the round of 16. The next meeting for the Aiglonnes, next Tuesday against Brest.
