Following a completely crazy match, OGC Nice qualified last night for the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue by beating Dijon in a penalty shootout (3-3, 5-3 pens). Trailing three times, the Eaglets showed their resilience and reached the last four of the competition for the third time in four years, after 2009 and 2010.
OGC Nice couldn’t hope for a better way to prepare for their return to the league. René Marsiglia’s men heroically clinched their place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue last night. The task was extremely challenging against a very realistic and courageous Dijon team. Things started poorly for the Niçois, losing Pejcinovic to injury as early as the 15th minute. A few minutes after the substitution, and the entry of Kévin Gomis to replace the Serbian, Dijon opened the score following a header from Guerbert, surprisingly alone in the box (1-0). The Eaglets struggled, appearing shaky, as seen with Renato Civelli who, alone against the goalkeeper, weakly struck into the arms of the Dijon keeper, narrowly missing the equalizing goal (24th). It wasn’t until the 34th minute, with the talent of Gym’s key player, Anthony Mounier, that Nice drew level (1-1).
Nice affected but not sunk
Returning from the break, the first half scenario repeated… After a missed shot from Dja Djedje (56th), Jovial, well served by Corgnet on the ground, managed to toe-poke the ball past Nice’s keeper Raul Fernandez (61st). 2-1 for Patrice Carteron’s team. Once again the Eaglets were very close to equalizing through Fabrice Abriel who lost his one-on-one with Tchagouni (67th). It was Civelli, once again, who this time put the ball in the net. The Argentinian defender placed a nice diagonal shot after a poorly cleared ball by the Dijon defense (2-2). Nice equalized again but couldn’t take the lead. Both teams were then forced to go into extra time.
And Monzon struck…
Fatigued, the players considerably slowed down the pace of the match. It wasn’t until the 116th minute and a Burgundian counterattack. Sankharé, in the box, was slightly pushed in the back by the young Kevin Gomis. An undeniable penalty for Mr. Fautrel, the referee. Bauthéac gave no chance to the Peruvian keeper and scored his team’s third goal! 3-2 for Dijon. The whole stadium thought it was over and many disheartened supporters started leaving the stadium. But the Eaglets did not give up. Two minutes from the end of the match, the referee awarded a very dangerous free kick at the edge of the box. Fabian Monzon took charge… and equalized with a powerful shot! Incredibly heroic, the Niçois got back into the game and equalized for the third consecutive time! It was now up to the traditional penalty shootout to decide who would advance to the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue!
The redemption of Gomis
And it’s the Eaglets who managed to snatch their ticket for the last four of the competition! René Marsiglia did not fail to praise the courage of his defender Kevin Gomis, who was at fault for the Dijon penalty but eager to make amends: “I want to tip my hat to Kevin. He knew he was at fault and had the courage to ask to take a shot during the session. It shows he’s strong and has the mentality we like.” A perfect evening for the Gym, who seem to have regained a winning mindset for the second half of the season. Now it’s on to face Brest on Saturday for the 20th round of the French championship. An equally important match for the club, ranked 17th, which wants to move away from the relegation zone as quickly as possible. The Nice coach did not fail to remind everyone: “priority to the championship!”
