Coupe de France: in Nancy, Usam Nîmes trembled but got through it, with experience

Les Gardois ont validé leur qualification en 8e de finale. MAXPPP – Cedric JACQUOT

Held up by an attractive Nancy team, the “Green Team” nevertheless managed to avoid the trap on Lorraine soil.

For this first round of the Coupe de France, the Nancy team, residents of Proligue, put their heart and soul into it. An insufficient sacrifice to defeat a Usam team that was jostled but very professional in its management of rhythms…

The technical sheet

NANCY (D2)  28
USAM Nîmes  30
Palais des Sports Jean-Weille.
About 1,000 spectators.
Half-time:12-15.
Referees: MM. Belabbes and Rahim.
USAM NÎMES: Guardians: Be (11/23, including 1/1 pen.), Pardin (6/22).
Poyet (1/2), Derisbourg (1/1), Rebichon (2/3), Gibelin (3/6), Konradsson (3/6), Vincent (4/6, including 3/3 pen.), Costa Da Silva (3/4), Kamtchop-Baril (2/3), Gibernon (4/5), Acquevillo (1/2), Kaczor (2/2), Sanad (4/6, including 1/2 pen.), Peyre, Chiron.

Although slowed in their momentum by a Dylan Soyez on fire in the Gard goal throughout the first period (48% saves), the Lorrainers first shone with their very good start (8-6, 13th), before dropping down a little in range against the solid rearguard of the “Green Team”, tempted by the fight, individual solutions and duels… not won in advance.

A slight doubt

Three goals down at half-time (12-15), Antoine Blanc's teammates suffered a severe blow after the break (13-18, 14-19). Before putting their best clothes back on, relaunched by a fierce defense, a fast game, lightning counters… Moving forward, the miracle happened in the 39th minute in the form of an unexpected equalizer (20-20).

And it was just asking for more! But between a lost face-off, two passes in the socks, the (rather severe) red card from Ernest Pineau-Rossi (56th) and a few details with serious consequences, it was Usam who gave the final push (26-29, 57th) and won with a surplus of lucidity (28-30). The essential in a way…
François Vadot