In the fight for a European spot at the end of the season, OGC Nice traveled to the venue of Sambre Avesnois Handball. After a tight match, the two teams shared the points (33-33).
Four days after the loss at home against Toulon, OGC Nice handball needed to get back on track to avoid falling behind in the standings. Just three points from the 4th place qualifying for the European Cup, Sébastien Mizoule’s team had to secure a good result this Sunday. Traveling to Hauts-de-France, the Niçoises faced Sambre Avesnois Handball, second to last in the Ligue Butagaz Energie.
The Niçoises quickly got into the game. Marie-Hélène Sajka, who struggled on Wednesday, found the net on her first opportunity. When the club’s top scorer regains her form, things look brighter. The Maralpines quickly took a +4 lead after ten minutes of play. Marie Fall, very active, scored four of her six goals within the first quarter-hour. Along with Marine Dupuis (7 goals), they were the main architects of the Aiglonnes’ strong start. However, against a team that hasn’t won in the league for six games, they needed to stay vigilant.
The Niçoises were caught up and then overtaken just before halftime. After a tactical timeout called by Sambre’s coach, the Northerners found a way through the Azurian defense. At halftime, Sambre led (17-15).
The Awakening of Marie-Hélène Sajka
Perhaps shaken up in the locker room, the Niçoises returned to the field with renewed intentions. One player made a difference in the second half. Marie-Hélène Sajka scored six goals (eight in total), allowing her teammates to quickly catch up. The score remained close until the end, with tension rising towards the finish. Eight minutes before the end, the scoreboard showed Sambre ahead by one goal (32-31). Every action was crucial, and the Northerners made mistakes. Marine Dupuis equalized with a seven-meter throw before Sambre regained the lead. Tempers flared, and timeouts followed one another in search of a winning strategy. Finally, the former red-and-black captain, Dienaba Sy, found the net at the last second (33-33).
The Aiglonnes leave with the two points from the draw and now are two points behind Dijon, which still has a game in hand, and one point behind Besançon. The two teams met yesterday, with a victory for the Bisontines that tightened the standings. Two matches remain for OGC Nice handball. All hopes are allowed, provided they win in ten days on June 4th, at home against Paris. It will also be the last chance to support the Maralpines at Halle des Sports Charles Ehrmann. Kick-off at 8:30 PM.
