Nîmes Olympique: Interesting in the game but lacking efficiency, the Crocos bow to Martigues

Le onze de départ de Nîmes Olympique : Cozzella, Mendy, Abdeljelil, Bouaoune, Marcel, Diouf (debout, de g. à d.) ; Sbaï, Amara, Akkal, Beneddine, Picouleau (accroupis, de g. à d.). Midi Libre – Thierry Albenque

Adil Hermach's men had every means to snatch at least a draw against Martigues (L2), Saturday 3 August in Mallemort, for their sixth preparation match. Lacking realism, they were unable to come back from the goal conceded on a free kick just before the break (1-0 defeat).

Nîmes Olympique, who may have played their most consistent preparation match, lost 1-0 for their sixth preparation match against Martigues (Ligue 2), Saturday 3 August in Mallemort (Bouches-du-Rhône), under the watchful eye of Jean-Pierre Bernès.

Not particularly in danger throughout the match, the Crocodiles, who deprived the Provençaux of the ball, conceded a magnificent free kick just before the break. In the second half, they had the balls to equalize but were seriously lacking in efficiency and realism. An outing that was undoubtedly a source of optimism despite the defeat. 

A starting eleven with potential starters

The starting eleven lined up by Adil Hermach looked like a team likely to start the championship against Orléans, on August 16 at the Antonins, while waiting for the arrival of a goalkeeper, perhaps Marseille's Simon Ngapandouetnbu, 21, who could be loaned. A team positioned in 4-3-3 with, in midfield, Picouleau at low point with Bouaoune on his right and Akkal on his left. In attack, it was the trio Marcel-Abdeljelil-Amara who were chosen.

In the first half, only one small Nîmes action

Promoted to Ligue 2, Martigues necessarily offers more substantial opposition than Agde (N3) on Wednesday in Saint-Gilles. The debates in the first period are tight, sometimes engaged. There are not many actions. The Crocos, who strive to play their game and obtain five corners, lack precision and are unable to worry Aymes. The only (very small) opportunity: a distant, low free kick from Beneddine which flies close to the post (14th).

Well grouped behind, the Provençal team is not more inspired offensively. But it proves more dangerous on the few opportunities it creates. The head of Oucasse Mendy, alone in the area to receive a cross from Amraoui, does not find the target (18th).

Cozzella stops a penalty

Formose Mendy then commits a foul in the area on Oucasse Mendy. The referee – an amateur since the trio of officials did not come – whistles for a penalty. It is very poorly taken by Tlili and Cozzella, who has gone to his left, easily manages to grab it (34th).

Le but en vidéo 👉 https://t.co/LGj3A8W6BB pic.twitter.com/WHV30uRdrt

— FC Martigues Officiel (@fc_martiguesoff) August 3, 2024

The Nîmes goalkeeper can do nothing, however, about a free kick from Amraoui, with his left foot and on the edge of the area, which goes into his top corner (1-0, 45th). It was Formose Mendy again who was sanctioned after an intervention that was too rough.

Nîmes more threatening in the second half

Starting with the same players, Nîmes was much more threatening in the second half, monopolizing the ball. But Abdeljelil's pivot shot was blocked (48th). The crocodile striker then failed to adjust his shot, the ball having landed at his feet after a shot in the area that was screwed by Akkal (58th).

The technical sheet

Martigues (L2) – Nîmes (N) : 1-0.
Mallemort, stadium of Honor.
Half-time: 1-0.
Goal for Martigues: Amraoui (45th).
NÎMES: Cozzella (Ichalalen, 66th) – Sbaï, Mendy (cap.), Diouf (Iafrate, 78th), Beneddine (Diallo, 70th) – Bouaoune (Laurens, 83rd), Picouleau (Lemaangr, 83rd), Akkal (Camara, 70th) – Marcel (El Hamri, 78th), Abdeljelil (Badu, 66th), Amara (Khalid, 78th).

A missed pass from Beneddine allows Martigues to go on the counterattack. At the end of the action, Cozzella is on the save. Just before being replaced by Ichalalen, he made a physical opposition and deflected Oucasse Mendy's attempt (62nd).

The equalizer was denied to the Crocos

With Marcel, very interesting, at the helm, with a Picouleau performing as sentinel, Nîmes continued to build, especially since the Martigues team disappeared from circulation. The intentions were there, but not always the execution.

Amara's blocked cross was very close to hitting the target but was sent back on the line by a Martigues defender (69th). Nîmes deserved to equalize. But Etile repels shots from Marcel and Sbaï in quick succession (76th) then gets in front of Badu, the striker tested by the Crocodiles, who takes a cross from close range from Camara (77th).

In the last second of the match, Khalid launches Camara who advances and shoots but misses the target (90th). One thing is clear: Nîmes – and this is nothing new – are going to have to work in front of goal!