OGC Nice Escapes Saint-Étienne with Dramatic Coupe de France Win – A Boost for Haise’s Squad
Nice, France – December 21, 2025 – In a match brimming with intensity and late drama, OGC Nice edged past AS Saint-Étienne 2-1 today in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France. The victory, secured by goals from Zoumana Diallo and Morgan Sanson, marks a crucial turning point for Franck Haise’s side, ending a frustrating winless streak and injecting much-needed momentum into their season. This breaking news from the Allianz Riviera is a significant development for French football fans, and a testament to Nice’s resilience.
Diallo Shines in First Start, Sanson Delivers Decisive Blow
The Allianz Riviera witnessed a captivating encounter, particularly for those following Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 action. Young striker Zoumana Diallo, making his first start for the Gym, announced himself in spectacular fashion, opening the scoring in the 11th minute. A beautifully delivered cross from Jonathan Clauss found Diallo, who expertly converted the opportunity, showcasing the predatory instincts of a seasoned forward. Diallo’s arrival from Strasbourg last summer has been eagerly anticipated, and this performance suggests a bright future for the 20-year-old.
Saint-Étienne, currently second in Ligue 2 and enjoying a resurgence under Eirik Horneland, responded fiercely. They equalized just before halftime through a penalty converted by Zuriko Davitashvili, after Lucas Stassin was brought down. The first half was a tactical battle, with Nice opting for a 4-3-3 formation and Saint-Étienne looking to control possession. Maxime Dupé, Nice’s goalkeeper, proved vital with several key saves, denying Augustine Boakye and Paul Eymard.
Second-Half Drama and a Crucial Victory
The second half saw both teams pushing for a winner, creating a frantic pace. Morgan Sanson, who has been working to find his form this season, finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Saint-Étienne following a Cho overflow, Sanson unleashed a powerful half-volley that found the back of the net. It was a moment of pure quality from the former Aston Villa midfielder, and a huge relief for the Nice faithful.
The final stages of the match were a tense affair, with Saint-Étienne throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. Dupé was again called into action, making a crucial save to deny Nadir El Jamali, whose shot narrowly missed the post. Despite late pressure, Nice held firm, securing a hard-fought victory and a place in the round of 16. This win is particularly important for SEO and visibility in Google News searches related to French football.
Coupe de France: A Historic Competition with a Modern Edge
The Coupe de France, the oldest French football competition, continues to provide thrilling upsets and memorable moments. Its unique format, allowing teams from all levels of the French football pyramid to compete, creates a captivating narrative. For clubs like Nice, the Coupe de France offers a valuable opportunity to challenge for silverware and build momentum for their league campaigns. The draw for the round of 16 will take place this evening, and Nice will be eager to discover their next opponent.
Looking ahead, Nice returns to Ligue 1 action on January 3rd with a challenging fixture against Strasbourg. This Coupe de France victory will undoubtedly provide a psychological boost as they prepare for the resumption of league play. The performance of Diallo and Sanson will be particularly encouraging for coach Franck Haise, who will be hoping to build on this positive result and steer Nice towards a successful 2026.
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Hugo Rondet
Match Details:
- Competition: Coupe de France • 32nd final
- Date: December 21, 2025
- Time: 14:45
- Venue: Allianz Riviera, Nice (Behind Closed Doors)
- OGC Nice Coach: Franck Haise
- AS Saint-Étienne Coach: Eirik Horneland
- Referee: Gael Angoula
