OGC Nice came out on top at Nîmes on Wednesday (1-3). After an impressive victory over Angers, Le Gym continued in the same light and started their Coupe de France campaign in the best possible way.

At the Stade des Costières, where they had already won in December, Les Aiglons put in an excellent performance against the side currently in 20th place in L1. They didn't stop attacking throughout the encounter and the only criticism that could be aimed at them: is not having put the game to bed earlier on in the encounter, something that would have been a just reward for their efforts.

Continuing in a 4-3-3, with Bambu and Saliba in the middle of the back four, Pelmard on the right of the defence, Nsoki on the left, Trouillet in the holding role and Ndoye up-front, Les Aiglons attacked from the get go. Very quickly, chances were created and some inspired play from Rony Lopes allowed them to take the lead. After recovering the ball well, the Portuguese left-footer broke into the middle and struck a magnificent floating effort from 25 metres into the back of the net just before the 15-minute mark (0-1, 13’).

Looking in excellent form, Rony got his brace after an excellent ball in from Gouiri, finishing with his right (0-2, 29’).

While Le Gym thought the game was under control, they couldn't quite finish off their opponents, despite chances for Ndoye and Gouiri. And at the other end, the visitors were caught out by their hosts. Burner crossed into the box for Duljevic, who restored hope in the Nîmois' hearts with a right-footed finish (1-2, 37’).

In the second half, Adrian Ursea's side continued to attack, but still couldn't find the third goal that their domination had deserved.

After a complicated couple of minutes for his side, it was Pierre Lees-Melou who secured the victory with ten minutes to go until the final whistle. Kamara and Myziane (both coming on off of the bench) combined well and their captain threw himself at the ball to convert the former Rémois' cross.

With that, Le Gym ensured qualification for the Round of 32, which will take place on 6 and 7 March. A first away win in the competition since January 2014 and the crazy victory In Marseille (5-4). 

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