Cavigal Nice handball was defeated (27-26) by Frontignan in a very tense end to the match.
After their first defeat of the season two weeks ago, Cavigal handball returns to its fans for the match against Frontignan. With a victory, the team led by Gérald Jean Zéphirin could catch up with Guilherand Granges at the top of the group. Opposing them, Frontignan is stuck at the bottom of the standings and will try to make a comeback and shake things up.
Despite Nils Jean Zéphirin’s two-minute suspension on the first possession, Cavigal manages their numerical disadvantage well and takes the lead. Two excellent saves by their goalkeeper help them significantly. The beginning of the match is very tight, with both teams responding to each other promptly. After 13 minutes of play, Nice experiences their second numerical inferiority, but as with the first, it is well managed.
The Eagles lead by one goal. The match is rather scrappy, frequently stopped by referees for various incidents. These interruptions slow down the pace of the game. It’s Frontignan who takes advantage to lead in scoring.
The end of the first half is very tense, with refereeing decisions causing a stir in the venue. At halftime, it’s Frontignan who is ahead. The visitors can thank their goalkeeper, who made several decisive saves, including a magnificent double stop.
Cavigal feels frustrated in attack and fails to impose their play in this first half.
Frontignan Holds Firm
Right from the first seconds of the second half, Frontignan’s goalkeeper stands out. He allows his team to repel Cavigal, who concedes a goal immediately after. Through determination and sturdier defense, the home team manages to equalize after ten minutes of play.
The match is tense, with both teams exchanging blow for blow. However, Cavigal struggles to take the game to their advantage and accumulates failures in attack. As a result, they chase the scoreboard and expend a lot of energy, especially emotionally.
Gérald Jean Zéphirin paces up and down the bench, with tension and frustration evident on the Nice side. Once the frustration is vented, Cavigal gets back into the game. They manage to equalize six minutes before the end. The last five minutes are intense. The match can swing either way.
With one minute left, both teams are tied 26-26 and Frontignan has one possession left. The opponent’s timeout is crucial for the end of the match. The visitors score, and Cavigal has one possession left with 20 seconds to play following a foul by Frontignan’s number 9. The Hérault team holds strong in defense and wins in thrilling fashion (27-26).
Next match is next Saturday against the leader.
