In an Allianz Riviera animated by 18,365 spectators, OGC Nice delivered an intense and characterful performance against RC Strasbourg Alsace during the 17th day of Ligue 1. Trailing early on due to a penalty, Nice managed to respond strongly in the second half thanks to the excellent entrance of Elye Wahi, who scored a superb goal on his debut. Final score: 1-1, a frustrating but encouraging result for OGC Nice.
For this crucial match, Claude Puel opted for an offensive 4-3-3 formation for his debut on the Nice bench. Alexis Dupé was in goal, protected by Dante Clauss, Loïc Bah, Youssouf Peprah, and Melvin Bard. In midfield, Tanguy Ndombele, Lucas Pereira, and Morgan Sanson were tasked with managing pace and creativity, while Mohamed-Ali Cho, Gonçalo Gouveia, and Sofiane Diop formed the attacking trio.
From the first minutes, OGC Nice showed their intentions. In the 6th minute, Sofiane Diop took the first shot after a service from Tanguy Ndombele, but the ball went wide. Nice immediately applied pressure and sought to establish themselves in the opponent’s half.
Despite a promising start, Strasbourg struck first. In the 10th minute, Oppong fouled Maurice Ouattara in the box. The referee logically pointed to the penalty spot. Joaquin Panichelli converted the penalty in the 13th minute (0-1).
Touched but determined, the OGC Nice players reacted. In the 15th minute, Gonçalo Gouveia forced Mike Penders into a great save in an action where the Nice players claimed a handball. In the 19th minute, Tanguy Ndombele attempted a subtle outside-foot shot, but Penders was decisive once again.
OGC Nice close to equalizing before the break
Nice’s domination was confirmed. In the 24th minute, Nice hit the post after a confusing action concluded by Sofiane Diop. The chances kept coming, but success eluded OGC Nice. Strasbourg, well organized, remained dangerous on the counter and forced Alexis Dupé to stay alert.
At halftime, Strasbourg led 1-0, but Nice clearly imposed their game and intensity on the field.
OGC Nice transformed with Wahi’s entrance
The second half started at a high pace. Claude Puel made a key change: Elye Wahi entered the game to replace Gonçalo Gouveia. The impact was immediate. More depth, more speed, and a constant threat to the Strasbourg defense.
In the 56th minute, the Allianz Riviera erupted. Perfectly served in depth, Elye Wahi adjusted onto his right foot and struck a magnificent curling shot into the corner. OGC Nice equalized and completely reignited the match (1-1). For his debut, Wahi scored a stunning goal and instantly became a symbol of the new Nice dynamic.
Energized by this equalizer, the OGC Nice players launched multiple attacks. In the 58th minute, Mike Penders made an extraordinary double save: first against Morgan Sanson, then against Elye Wahi. A few minutes later, Sofiane Diop took his chance, but the Strasbourg goalkeeper remained unyielding.
Strasbourg suffered, retreated, and struggled to break free, while OGC Nice imposed their pace, making it a nightmare for the Alsatians.
The match remained undecided. In the 64th minute, Alexis Dupé made a superb save following a header from Barco, well served by Joaquin Panichelli. On the Nice side, Abdul Samed replaced Everton in the 69th minute to bring some physicality to the midfield.
In the last quarter-hour, chances multiplied. In the 72nd minute, Elye Wahi headed dangerously after a cross from Melvin Bard, but the ball went just past the post. A few minutes later, Melvin Bard made a heroic clearance off the line after a shot from Barco, keeping OGC Nice in the game.
OGC Nice pushes to the end
In the last minutes, the Nice players continued to press. Elye Wahi once again tried his luck from the right side of the area, but Mike Penders intervened. Despite dominating, the OGC Nice players couldn’t score the second goal.
This draw leaves some regrets but confirms the promises seen: character, intensity, and a new key player already making a difference. OGC Nice can be satisfied with their performance, especially in the second half. The collective spirit, the response after the opponent’s opening goal, and the immediate impact of Elye Wahi bode well for the rest of the season. The Nice players showed they could combine offensive efficiency with defensive solidity to move up in the standings.
