Place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France with the surprise guest, Versailles who “received” Nice at the Allianz Riviera. The opportunity seemed good for the Aiglons to go to the Stade de France to face Nantes and Monaco, the protagonists of the other semi-final. Was it still necessary to get rid of a leader of National 2, who had already beaten Toulouse in Haute-Garonne a few weeks ago. Galtier chose Delort rather than Dolberg to start alongside Gouiri, Stengs and Boudaoui occupied the wings, while Rosario went down a notch to form the central hinge along with Todibo.
Rather comfortable waiting for their opponent, the Gym would this time have to play the game against Petit Poucet. We quickly understood that it did not necessarily benefit him. There was indeed this slowed down attempt by Gouiri (5th) or even this helmet kick from Thuram on a corner a little above (12th) but it was far too little to worry an opponent well in place. The Aiglons were even guilty of ugly gestures on the ground like this delayed tackle from Bard (16th) or this sole on the calf of Boudaoui (32nd), both warned. There was even a little heat after this slip by Rosario in his area, ultimately without consequence (22nd).
A Gouiri for great evenings
The Versailles defense resisted well until the break, despite a big highlight from Nice. Akueson countered the strike from Stengs (36th), Diouf cleared in front of Boudaoui (42nd), then a new header from Thuram ended up in the arms of Delaunay (44th). It was not enough to overcome this brave team of amateurs. The walls must have shaken at the break and it was felt when the Aiglons returned to the field. Akueson extinguished a new Nice offensive (47th) but he could do nothing on the next one. Following a stint with Boudaoui, Lotomba centered towards the penalty spot. Delort was erased for Gouiri, who concluded with a control-strike sequence (1-0, 48th).
Nice had done the hardest part but had to protect themselves from a bad surprise. Gouiri tried his luck again, stopped this time by Delaunay (56th), but he again lit up the evening with the next action. The striker inherited a ball in the center circle before getting rid of three defenders then serving a Dolberg at the conclusion (2-0, 73rd). Nice were heading for the final, even if the header from Ibayi (77th) and to a lesser extent, the strike from Pham Ba (78th) tried to wake up Yvelinois not quite beaten. A start that did not last. Versailles stops there and sees OGC Nice playing their first Coupe de France final since 1997.
