OGC Nice were beaten by Le Havre on Sunday afternoon at the Stade Océane (3-1). Kojo Peprah Oppong scored the only goal of the afternoon for Les Aiglons.

Facing Le Havre on Matchday 3 of Ligue 1, Les Aiglons struggled and ultimately fell after a difficult encounter. A week after their first win of the season at home against Auxerre (MD2, 3-1), Franck Haise opted to field the same starting XI, with the attack led by Isak Jansson, Kevin Carlosand Jeremie Boga. Shaken by the home side’s intensity, Nice made a poor start, conceding an early dangerous set piece that could have allowed Yassine Kechta to open the scoring (3’).

Didier Digard’s men were deservedly rewarded ten minutes later. Le Havre’s main attacking threat, Fodé Doucouré, capitalised on an excellent cross from Issa Soumaré to put his side ahead (1-0, 13’). In a stop-start first half full of fouls, Nice finally lifted their heads and created their first chances. Kevin Carlos, with a header from the penalty spot, failed to beat Mory Diaw (21’). The summer signing was then beaten to the ball by Arouna Sangante as he tried to connect with a bold cross from Tom Louchet (26’).

Diouf gives a glimmer of hope 

Despite enjoying more possession, Nice remained under threat, notably when Ally Samatta’s header nearly beat Yehvann Diouf (30’). The Tanzanian striker was dangerous again early in the second half, pressing Antoine Mendy before unleashing a low shot that Diouf managed to turn away (46’). Four minutes later, the former Reims keeper was called into action once again to deny Doucouré, keeping Nice in the game.

Les Aiglons got back on level terms through Oppong, who combined hard work with composure inside the box. The centre-back converted after good work from Boudaoui following a quickly taken corner (1-1, 52’).

Unfortunately for Haise’s men, the reprieve was short-lived. With a touch of luck, Rassoul Ndiaye pounced to deflect Antoine Mendy’s clearance from close range, restoring Le Havre’s lead (2-1, 61’). In the closing stages, despite the introductions of Jonathan Clauss, Sofiane Diop, Terem Moffi, Bernard Nguene and Morgan Sanson (marking his return from injury), Nice conceded a third. In stoppage time, as Diouf went forward to try his luck from a last-gasp corner, Soumaré took advantage of the empty net to seal the win for Le Havre (3-1, 90+5’).

It's now time for the international break and a welcome chance for Nice to reset before hosting Nantes on the weekend of 13–14 September.