OGC Nice won at home against Angers yesterday (2-1). Although the final score favored the Nice team, the dynamics of the match didn’t necessarily predict this outcome.
A very calm start for both goalkeepers; then, a flash. From a cross coming from the left, Cappelle reminded Nice in the 13th minute that the match would be complicated. Promise kept. Because in the first half, Nice was clearly not in the game. Shut down by an Angers team with an ironclad defense and a solid midfield, the Nice team was even exposed to a few counter-attacks or long balls, perfectly exploited each time.
From a marvelous opening by Saiss, Cappelle took advantage of Genevois’s mistake and broke away to score the first goal in the 24th minute. This was symbolic of a Nice team technically cleaner but overwhelmed by the desire and precision in the final actions of the current league’s second-place team. At least until halftime.
Upon returning from the locker room, the Gym regained some form and finally took their chances after only one shot in the first 45 minutes. Baysse and Koziello tried their luck without success. The big opportunity awaited by Nice to equalize eventually came at the hour mark. At least that’s what Germain thought, forgotten by the SCO defense and running deep, but also overlooked by his teammate Franck Honorat.
The young eaglet’s lack of judgment came close to being fatal when Ketkeo picked up a cross from Sunu two minutes later. Cardinale pulled off a great save and pushed it out for a corner. Nice was still in the game and eventually proved it. Without being brilliant, the Gym pushed forward and earned a penalty through Séri in the 80th minute. Ben Arfa converted. Another penalty for a handball in the area four minutes later. Ben Arfa converted again. Nice was ahead, and it was cruel. Especially since the score didn’t change, even though Angers had (again) delivered a very fine performance.
Their lucky star, Cardinale, and the referee’s decision on a debatable first penalty. Before celebrating this success, the Nice team will have some thanks to give. Tonight, Nice is third in Ligue 1, and it’s thanks to these three elements more than any others that have shaped this OGC since the beginning of the season.
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