Several OGC Nice players are still engaged at the FIFA World Cup as the knockout stage of the competition begins. He is an update of what’s in store for our Aiglons.

Bombito, first qualified for the last-16

The latest news came from the first of the World Cup’s round of 32 matches. On Sunday evening, Canada – one of the three host nations of the tournament, alongside the USA and Mexico – knocked out South Africa 1-0 thanks to a goal from midfielder Stephen Eustaquio in second-half stoppage time.

That’s excellent news for the Rouge et Noir's Moïse Bombito who started the match and played for just over an hour.

It was the centre-back’s first start in a competitive match since his injury away to Monaco on 5 October. Prior to that, he had featured for half an hour in a friendly against Uzbekistan and played one half in the group stage against Qatar.

On Sunday, Le Gym’s No.64 even came close to scoring in the 43rd minute. Unfortunately, his header was cleared off the line by Modiba.

But even without a goal, Moïse is confirming his return to top form just as Canada prepares to contest the first round of 16 match in its history, against the winner of the Netherlands v Morocco match, scheduled for 3am tonight (CET).

They are also in the Round of 32 

With one exception (see below), the other Nice players at the World Cup are all through to the round of 32.

Antoine Mendy and Yévhann Diouf (Senegal)
A big clash is on the cards for Senegal against Belgium (kick-off on 1 July at 22:00 CET). Having lost 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway, the Lions of Teranga finished among the best third-placed teams thanks to their resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq. The two Aiglons have yet to feature in the tournament.

Elye Wahi (Ivory Coast)
On loan from Eintracht Frankfurt for the past six months, Elye Wahi earned his place in the Côte d’Ivoire squad and at the World Cup thanks to his fine performances in Rouge et Noir.

The striker started in the 1-0 win over Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament. He then remained on the bench in the 2-1 loss against Germany before coming on as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Curaçao in the third group game.

Coached by former Aiglon Emerse Fae, the Côte d’Ivoire will face Norway this Tuesday at 19:00 CET.

Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt)
Le Gym’s centre-back, Mohamed Abdelmonem, featured against New Zealand (3–1) and Iran (1–1) after being on the bench against Belgium (1–1).

Egypt will face Australia on 3 July at 20:00 CET.

Hicham Boudaoui (Algeria)
Algeria, for their part, will take on Switzerland on 3 July. Hicham Boudaoui started in the first two group matches, against Argentina (0–3) and Jordan (2–1). He remained on the bench for the spectacular three-all draw against Austria (3-3).

Kojo Peprah Oppong (Ghana)
The following day (4 July), Kojo Peprah Oppong and Ghana will face Colombia. Having remained on the bench during the Black Stars 1-0 victory over Panama, the Nice defender came on late in the scoreless draw with England and played the entire second half in the 2-1 loss to Croatia.

It is worth noting that if they progress past this round, Kojo and Hicham will face each other in the round of 16.

Eliminated
After three consecutive defeats in the group stage, Ali Abdi and Tunisia were eliminated at the group stage. The Gym full-back played every minute of his country’s campaign and losses to Sweden (1-5), Japan (0-4) and the Netherlands (1-3).

 

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