Angers inflict seventh straight defeat on 10-man Nice
Angers deepened the crisis at OGC Nice on Sunday afternoon with a composed, deserved 1–0 victory at the Allianz Riviera, condemning Franck Haise’s side to a seventh consecutive defeat in all competitions.
The build-up was dominated by the aftermath of last week’s incidents between players and fans. The Populaire Sud tribune remained empty due to boycott, and the stadium—largely silent and fragmented—set the tone early. Nice entered wearing warm-up shirts bearing the names of Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga, both absent after having been signed off following the altercation.
From kick-off, Nice struggled emotionally as much as technically. Each misplaced pass generated whistles, and the Aiglons’ lack of conviction in possession quickly became apparent.
Belkhdim strikes after sustained pressure
The visitors grew into the game with clarity. Angers’ structure—compact without the ball, willing to combine quickly after regaining it—caused repeated problems. After two near misses involving Chérif and Abdelli, the breakthrough came on 33 minutes.
A turnover high up allowed Arcus to combine with Mouton down the right; the latter’s low cross found Yassine Belkhdim, who guided the ball calmly off the inside of the post. It was a deserved lead, reflecting both Angers’ assertiveness and Nice’s restless state.
Some Nice supporters ironically celebrated the goal—one of several signs of complete rupture.
Louchet sent off as Nice unravel
Haise switched shape at half-time, introducing 19-year-old Benani Nguene and moving into a 4-3-3. For a brief spell, the hosts looked more aggressive, until a decisive moment arrived.
Jordan Louchet arrived late into a challenge on Ekomié; initially booked, the decision was upgraded to red after VAR review. The dismissal forced Nice into survival mode.
Angers could have doubled the lead when Ekomié’s close-range header was somehow clawed away by Diouf—one of several interventions that prevented a more punishing scoreline.
Ndombélé’s entrance changed the rhythm, but Koffi produced the moment of the half, racing off his line to block Jansson in full stride—effectively sealing the three points.
THE STAT: Seeing Red
Nice have received their sixth red card in Ligue 1 in 2025, with only Lens (8) and Strasbourg (7) receiving more. This is also more red cards for OGCN in the top-flight in the calendar year than in the previous two years combined (5 – 2 in 2023, 3 in 2024).
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