The Gym did not falter. The Gym did not look pale. But sport rarely mulls over morality, and the Gym lost. While Frédéric Antonetti’s men held a draw that seemed fair given the match’s content, Manfredini came to crucify them two minutes before the final whistle.
At the start, a new-look Gym takes to the field. Missing 4 starters and with a new formation. Gregorini returns to the goal, replacing Lloris, who is otherwise engaged with the Blueberries. In front of him, Fanni locks down the right flank, young Apam the left, while the central duo Abardonado-Kante refines their adjustments. Rool and Diakité jostle in recovery. Marama Vahirua, in his traditional role as a provider, sees support on his right from Camara, struggling with confidence since he was booed off against Lyon, and the hyperactive Bellion on his left. Upfront, Moussilou is tasked with pushing the leather into the nets. The first quarter-hour belongs to Nice: the front four combine well and often find each other, despite some inaccuracies in the decisive move. Apam, although combative, is the first to experience some difficulties against the powerful Lille player Kader Keita. Nevertheless, it’s from the other side that the light will come. For the Nice goalkeeper, it is blinding. Thanks to Drogba, author of an “elephantine” goal from a long shot that leaves Gregorini stunned. Note, few goalkeepers would have fetched it…
Moussilou, almost immediately, replies, giving our Eagles time to re-enter the match and for Bellion to place a powerful shot, which the Ivorian keeper clears. The Gym’s No. 11 takes advantage of the offering.
At halftime, the score is logical, and you think that if the second half is as intense, the 3,000 spectators or so will not regret attending. Opportunities. Goals. Entertainment. Some very good technical maneuvers (the Tahitian paddler from the Gym is not the least clumsy at this little game). A Bellion who puts the pressure on Eboué, the solid Gunner. Few, if any, dull moments. In short, a great game. Both coaches then try out a few changes. Varrault, Scotto, Echouafni, and the young Mahamane Traoré replace Fanni, Abardonado (Apam slipping into the axis), Rool, and Vahirua respectively.
The second half begins with the same rhythm. Drogba, again him, bursts in from the left and delivers a lovely pull-back center to Lens's Dindane, who leaves no chance for the Nice goalkeeper, who's clearly not having much luck. Once again, what could he do? Not much, and yet, two goals already conceded. It's not for lack of being decisive twice (Drogba's shot, 47th; N'Dri's free-kick, 53rd).
Alas! The Gym is lagging behind again. Until now, the defense, well gathered around its leader and captain for the night, Pancho Abardonado, holds the line. But the individual quality of the opposing team makes the difference. Especially their attackers, fast, dribblers, technical.
There are 35 minutes left for the Eagles to equalize and confirm the good impression they leave with a crowd that’s half Ivorian, half Niçoise, but enthused by the spectacle.
To the rhythm of the drum and the tam-tam, they return to the match once again. The occasion to demonstrate rare mental qualities for a team at the bottom of the class. With this desire, the Nice team should not remain at the bottom for long.
First, it's Mahamane Traoré who shows off his ball handling and sense of spectacle. He delivers a spoon-like pass to Echouafni, who doesn't put enough power on his cross shot. Then it's Ibrahim Touré's turn, barely on the pitch (without crossing paths on the field with his two brothers), to recover a ball from thirty meters, then properly pass it to Matt Moussilou. The striker, mute until then in the championship, outplays the defense for the double (78th minute). Good for the confidence.
The Nice public is ecstatic. Brave, united, sometimes talented, their favorites hold their ground against the internationals. This was without counting the Blues' center-forward. Drogba retrieves, fixes the defense, then remarkably frees up Manfredini. The latter does not miss his chance. Gregorini, deflecting the cross-shot, sees it once again hit the back of the net.
There are two minutes left. The Nice assaults yield nothing. The Gym came so close to achievement.
What to remember from this match the day after?
First, the overall good performance by Nice. Solid, compact, this team posed many problems for the Elephants. Then, the quality of the show. To make a great match, you need two good teams, it is said. The other night, at Ray, they were there. The Nice players never backed down. They tried a lot, like an incisive Bellion, showing good form, striking fearlessly, daring. An impeccable Moussilou with the finish. A Vahirua always playing forward. A combative Camara, if not well compensated. A generous Pancho, as usual. A cutting and tenacious Diakité in recovery. Young players without complexes, as demonstrated by Traoré's tricks. A simply charming Gym.
There remains this goal, two minutes from the end. To be forgotten, for sure.
While the Gym deserved better, it nonetheless hints at good promises. The Eagles’ performance, no doubt, foreshadows brighter days ahead.
Benoît Guglielmi
