Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 3, 05/09/26

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OGC Nice secured their second point of the season against a battling Le Mans FC side (1-1). Olivier Pantaloni remains winless, however, after taking over in the summer.

The Match

Patrick Videira is credited with creating something special from very little. His side weren’t even in the conversation for promotion at the start of last season, having only earned promotion from the National 1 the previous season. There is a clear upward direction of travel; the opposite can be said of Nice. Olivier Pantaloni’s arrival was meant to bring fresh momentum, but that isn’t easy when the ownership situation remains unchanged.

Club legend Dante was back at the Allianz Riviera, whilst the fans also returned for the first time this season. There was a feeling of yester-season that translated onto the pitch as Le Gym struggled to find any kind of fluency on the ball. Errors were too frequent and punished. There was a let-off when Jean Vercruysse found himself free inside the box. Youssouf Ndayishimiye made himself big and made the block. But it was the Burundi international who was left scrambling following a turnover of possession deep in the Nice half. Ndayishimiye didn’t lose it, but he couldn’t win it back. Adil Bourabaa danced past him and unleashed an absolute thunderbolt into the far corner of Yehvann Diouf’s goal.

The game-state ensured that Nice had much of the ball but Pantaloni’s men lacked penetration. Their best chance within the opening 30 minutes came from a set-piece quickly taken by Niels Nkounkou. Jonathan Clauss had all the time to pick out the unmarked Axel Witsel, who couldn’t direct his header on target. A let-off for Videira’s side.

And the equaliser came from a mistake. Second-choice goalkeeper Ewen Hatfout came when he should have stayed. It was too easy for Elye Wahi to round him. What was harder was the finish from a very tight angle, but the Ivorian pulled it off.

But once Le Mans were in a position of needing a goal, they looked the more likely of the two teams to get one. Rayan Bamba’s cross found Dame Gueye at the near post but he couldn’t direct his header on target. Louis Mafouta, the joint-top scorer in Ligue 1, was then found at the back post from a long throw and Diouf had to be attentive to almost palm the ball off the Le Mans forward’s head.

Habib Diallo was then inches away from making contact with a teasing cross. Just a few yards out, any touch would likely have re-established Le Mans’ lead. Pantaloni was forced to make changes to change the course of this match, and they had an effect. Mohammed Amoura and Gauthier Hein looked more dangerous than the forwards they replaced and they combined with Wahi to work an opening. Amoura couldn’t profit from it, blazing over from a good position. Jonathan Clauss then worked Hatfout into a smart save.

None of those chances were as good as the one presented to Mafouta at the end of the game. Ndayishimiye inexplicably allowed the ball to run through and the Le Mans forward gathered, rounded Diouf but then, forced wide, he slipped and could only strike the outside of the post. Le Mans wouldn’t get another chance and will perhaps be disappointed not to take all three points.

OGC Nice player ratings

Yehvann Diouf –4

Xavier Mandza – 7

So at ease, the converted defender was touted as a future France international by Nice’s sporting director, Roger Ricort. This performance, so calm and commanding, is yet more evidence of why a bright future lies in wait. Moved up into his more familiar midfield role in the second half, he was incisive, too. A really multi-faceted player.

Youssouf Ndayishimiye – 4

Mohamed Abdelmonem –5

Niels Nkounkou –4

Djibril Coulibaly – 5

Axel Witsel – 4

Jonathan Clauss – 4

Sofiane Diop – 5

Nathan N’Goumou –4

Elye Wahi – 7

The saviour last season, Wahi was welcomed like a rockstar when he returned to the club this summer. Nice’s hopes once again hinge on him. He ran the line well, albeit thanklessly for much of the night, but his proactiveness in stretching the Le Mans defence paid off when he slotted home from a ridiculously tight angle.

Selected Le Mans player ratings

Aleandre Lauray – 7

The midfielder covers so much space for Le Mans and is just as valuable in possession with his long sweeping passes. He ensured that Nice’s attack was kept under control, and despite being outnumbered in his sector, he exerted a degree of control.

Louis Mafouta – 5

Ewan Hatfout – 3

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice

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