RC Lens was held to a draw by OGC Nice 0-0 during the 6th day of Ligue 1. A frustrating result for the Sang et Or after a high-level match; even if they remain undefeated, after another clean-shit. This match also marked the return to Lens of Franck Haise, who left for Nice in the off-season. A reunion which went perfectly well with the public.
Two weeks after a boring Lens-Lyon, the Lensois public found Bollaert-Delelis for another poster. Lens-Nice: a match notably marking the return of Franck Haise. Having left for Nice, the former coach of RC Lens remained popular and was applauded by Artesian supporters, unlike Jonathan Clausswho was whistled while remaining on the bench.
» It was great. I had no doubt that the supporters would welcome him, will thus declare Adrien Thomasson after the meeting. It is well deserved given the work he has done over many years. » A heartfelt tribute from a player who was on the bench more often last season with Franck Haise.
As for the other former member of the club, Raphaël Varanehe was only entitled to a small banner displayed by the kop for a few minutes. “ An atypical journey for an emblematic player. Happy retirement Raphaël“, we can read as the only tribute to Varane this Saturday afternoon when it was good to play football.
Many missed opportunities
The Sang et Or dominated a first half that was locked in several rounds. The Lensois clearly dominated these first 45 minutes by hitting no less than 15 times on goal without finding the solution. Marcin Bulka (10th and 12th), the Riviera goalkeeper, was decisive twice at the start of the match, on two actions of Brother Nzola et Wesley Said. The Niçois, however, reacted a little before the break. But we still expected a more offensive face from the Aiglons of Franck Haisewho still worried once Brice Sambawho returned a shot from Bouanani to his left post (28th).
On resumption, Jonathan Clauss is whistled again when it replaces Antoine Mendy. More than the veteran and ex-Lille player Danté (41 years old!), who returns at the same time and recovers the captain’s armband.
The second half will be more balanced, and especially stormy at the end. Because the Lensois public will concentrate their discontent on the referee, François Letexier. This will in fact give a yellow card to Will Stillwho protests against the expulsion of Anas Zarouri for two yellow cards.
Previously, the man in black will cause long stoppages in play. First to view the VAR on a possible penalty in favor of Nice, ultimately refused. Then for a microphone failure which will force the technicians to repair his equipment. Consequence: there will be 9 minutes of additional time at the end of the match. Very long for Lensois reduced to ten against Nice more dangerous than in the first half. They will also owe to their goalkeeper and captain Brice Samba the new 0-0 draw which concludes this intense meeting but messy in terms of finishing.
Franck Haise applauded again
Clearly dominant in the first period, the Lensois may regret their lack of realism in front of the goal of Marcin Bulka, in spirit against Lens. OGC Nice was able to create situations in the second half. But Samba therefore kept his goal empty. Franck Haise he did not fail to greet the Lensois public who warmly applauded him a second time. “ It was a real good time. It was good that I got into the hallway, and into the locker room,” Norman confided with a smile at a press conference.
Nice and Franck Haise therefore leave with what they were looking for: a 0-0 draw. RC Lens remains undefeated. But with only one point which hardly moves him forward in the standings. A frustrating result in view of the meeting.
The match sheet
RC Lens-OGC Nice : 0-0
6th day of Ligue 1. Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens. 37,301 spectators (box offices closed). Pleasant weather. Land in good condition.
Referee: Fabien Letexier
Warnings: RC Lens: Frankowski (53′), Zaroury (67′). OGC Nice: Dante (90’+9).
Carton rouge : Zaroury (84’).
RC Lens : Samba (c) – Gradit, Khusanov, Medina – Frankowski (Aguilar, 78’), Thomasson, Diouf (Mendy, 89’), Machado – Nzola (Satriano, 78’), Fulgini (Zaroury, 59’), Saïd (Labeau-Lascary, 59’). Entraîneur: Will Still.
OGC Nice : Bulka – Ndayishimiye (c), Bombito, Abdelmonem (Dante, 46′) – Mendy (Clauss, 46′), Boudaoui (Louchet, 90’+6), Rosario, Abdi – Bouanani (Diop, 89′), Guessand – Boga (Moukoko, 77′). Entrepreneur: Franck Haise.
The reactions
Will Still, entraîneur du RC Lens. « The 1st half is certainly the best content offered so far, with striking domination. Our only regret is not having made it a goal. Because if it’s 1-0 or 2-0 at half-time, it’s no longer the same match. We are playing against a great team and I am very satisfied with the attitude of the players. »
Brice Samba, captain of RC Lens. « We are a little disappointed this evening because we hoped for better. But hey, we’re moving forward, we’re not losing, that’s good. We look for efficiency in both surfaces. And it’s true that currently offensively, it’s escaping us a little. »
Moïse Lumpungu, defender of OGC Nice. « It’s nice to string together clean-shits like that. I had never played here in Bollaert. It’s exceptional. Now we’re going to move on. »
Watch the video interviews with Will Still, Brice Samba and Franck Haise on SPORTS VIDEOS NORD.
