Nîmes Olympique: after the short success (1-0) against Châteauroux, the Crocos' notes

Titulaire surprise en défense centrale à la place de Diouf, Jérémy Iafrate s’est montré à la hauteur. MIDI LIBRE – SYLVIE CAMBON

Opposé à une formation de Châteauroux assez limitée, Nîmes a ouvert son compteur victoire et points dans ce National, victorieux aux Antonins.

Ngapandouentnbu (6) : for his first start since his arrival, ten days ago, the goalkeeper on loan from OM was vigilant and reassuring. Called upon for the first time in the match in the 39th minute, he confidently slammed a header from Magnora who was heading towards goal. On the corner that followed, ''Simon', as he is called, watched another header from Pierre, which grazed his goal (40th). Safe against an attempt by the same Pierre, which he blocks on the ground, without trembling (52nd), on this tense shot, from twenty meters, by the captain of Châteauroux, Pires (55th), as on this reversed header from Diallo, which he blocks on his line (76th). Finally, he has a final scare, his biggest, on this recovery from Pierre on which he is beaten but which goes wide by a few centimeters (89th).

Sbaï (5):without overdoing it on his right side, the full-back assured, showing vigilance in his defensive work and proposing offensively when it was possible. Was hardly put in danger or out of reach by the adversity, too neutral overall.

Iafrate (6): for his first professional match, surprise starter in place of Diouf, the player, amateur license, was at the origin of the penultimate pass on the opening of the crocodile score, his opening finding Bouaoune on the edge of offside (16th). Suffered a blow to the head (cut to the ear) just before the break, which may have left him a little groggy. He went all the way before being replaced by Diouf (54th). The latter, after having poorly secured a clearance (62nd), was guilty of a foul, twenty meters away, on the striker Diallo (66th).

Mendy (cap., 5):with the athletic center forward Diallo from Châteauroux, the captain had a nice challenge in perspective, which he took up serenely, present in the duel, as the boss. Rarely caught out, or playing it with experience, the leader of the defense justified his status. A little more in the hard at the end.

Beneddine (6): started the match with a bang, proposing himself on his left side while not hesitating to cut into the axis. Spent forty-five initial minutes rather peaceful defensively, the crocodile ensemble being only slightly worried by the Berrichone attackers. Beaten in the header duel, in the area, by Dembele, but without danger (45th +3). Went up a notch, finishing as a defensive midfielder, after Diallo came on (82nd).

Picouleau (5) : in a more defensive, back-up role, the midfielder played fairly and simply, most often with two touches of the ball, maximum. Cleverly cut off a Châteauroux counter that could have turned out to be dangerous (51st). Sober but effective.

Akkal (5) : active from the start of the match. Tries his luck, entering the area, but his shot flies into the clouds (6th). Present in the athletic impact, he also took charge of a few set pieces. Supplemented by Mexico (62nd), valuable on this defensive header, in his six-yard box, clearing a burning ball (86th).

Bouaoune (6): During the first ten minutes, the three Nîmes offensives circulated through the man who signed his first professional contract… this Thursday, for a period of three years. Moreover, it was not surprising to see him provide the decisive passer on Abdeljelil's goal (16th). On NO's second biggest chance, it was again he who ideally launched Camara, the latter screwing up his shot from close range (26th). His other try, without control, went a few meters wide of Ba 's goal (63rd). Less influential in the second half, replaced by El Hamri (82nd).

Marcel (5) :serves Abdeljelil ideally in the area, without success (14th). Already more in shape than against Orléans, the former OGC Nice player delighted with his left foot, playing simple and easy in midfield, like this fluid pass when he serves Bouaoune (26th). Even if he dropped off physically after the break, one of the summer reinforcements always makes things easy, facilitating the flow of play in midfield. Gives up his place to defender Diallo (82nd).

Abdeljelil (7): second goal in two home outings for the former Cholet player. After lacking promptness during a sequence in the area (14th), the scorer was once again where he needed to be, receiving a cross from Bouaoune from the right, where his flat foot – safety, right foot,  worked wonders (1-0, 16th). In addition to being a finisher, he weighs on defenses, provokes fouls from opposing defenders, blocks balls… Shows himself to be selfless on this offering for Camara in the area, which the striker spoils (43rd). Deflects again intelligently in the course of Bouaoune (63rd). Has improved all the balls he has played.

Camara (6): in the first two games, it is difficult to find the striker of last season. Borrowed and lacking confidence, as on this occasion where, launched perfectly by Bouaoune in the area, he procrastinates and fouls his ball with his left foot, heading for the side netting (26th). Still in the area, misses the break point, seeing his attempt blocked by the Châteauroux goalkeeper Ba (43rd). More visible at the start of the second half. Poorly rewarded on this recovery, without control in the area following a cross from Iafrate, which the goalkeeper Ba deflects with his fingertips for a corner (51st). Willing, valiant as possible but still a little too messy in the zone of truth.

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