OGC Nice were beaten at home by SCO Angers on Sunday on Matchday 15 of Ligue 1 (0–1).

Facing an Angers side that had lost only twice in its last seven outings, Franck Haise’s men were never able to get back into the game after the visitors opened the scoring through Yassin Belkhdim in the 33rd minute. Following a ball lost in their own half, they were punished by an excellent combination between Carlens Arcus and the Moroccan midfielder, who was left unmarked in the box. He made no mistake, catching Yehvann Diouf out with a well-struck first-time side-foot finish (0–1).

Before that, the match had been fairly balanced at the Allianz Riviera, with a Nice side determined to counter-attack through Mohamed-Ali Cho’s pace, while Angers controlled possession. Diouf had already been decisive just moments before the opener, intervening in front of Amine Sbaï, who came close to finishing from close range after a powerful acceleration from Sidiki Chérif (29’).

LE GYM PUSHED HARD

For their part, and in line with their recent performances, the Rouge et Noir lacked cutting edge despite several promising chances. Sofiane Diop, first, saw his shot from the edge of the box skim over Hervé Koffi’s crossbar (3’). Juma Bah’s header suffered the same fate following a corner delivered by Jonathan Clauss shortly before halftime (38’).

In the second half, Melvin Bard and his teammates endured another setback when Tom Louchet was rightly sent off for a reckless studs-up challenge on Jacques Ekomié(53’). Angers then nearly doubled their lead when Ekomié found himself ideally placed to head home, but Diouf once again produced a brilliant reflex save (56’).

After a period of uncertainty, Nice regained control in the final minutes. Energised by the fresh injection of 19-year-old Bernard Nguene, who could have equalized had his bold half-volley from the edge of the area been slightly better placed (57’), they thought they had drawn level through Morgan Sanson, but the midfielder’s side-footed effort also drifted off target (61’).

Even when Le Gym were more precise in front of goal, Hervé Koffi stood tall. Back in action, Tanguy Ndombele, already showing sharpness, could have delivered an assist if the Angers goalkeeper hadn’t perfectly blocked Isak Jansson’s strike (79’). The French international’s powerful shot a minute later met the same fate (80’).

Franck Haise’s players will try to bounce back against Lens next Sunday (5.15pm). Before that, they will host Braga in the Europa League (Thursday, December 11, 6.45pm).

Hugo Rondet