This Saturday, January 4, in a friendly match at the Antonins, Nîmes Olympique had the opportunities, as usual, but the worst attack in the National championship failed to find the fault against Fréjus Saint-Raphaël, 4th in Pool A of National 2 (0-0).
A week after the resumption of training and six days before challenging leader Nancy in the National (Friday January 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Antonins), Nîmes hosted Fréjus / Saint-Raphaël in a friendly at the Antonins, behind closed doors.
About ten absent
Without this serving as a dress rehearsal for the Lorraine reception, because NO had too many absentees to be in official match configuration. The goalkeepers Simon (a little ill, preserved) and Cozzella as well as the field players Mendy, Diouf, Doukansy, Picouleau, Lemaangr, Delpech and Amara (+ the starter Ali Abdallah) were out. That’s around ten elements.
Adil Hermach’s little brother, Marwane, interesting holder
The Crocos started with Ichalalen as goalkeeper, Labonne, Iafrate, Paviot and Beneddine in defense; Marwane Hermach (19 years old), little brother of the coach, Akkal, Mexico (captain) and Bouaoune in the middle; Marcel and Abdeldjelil in front. They largely dominated the first act against the 4th in Pool A of N2 but, as often, they did not manage to find the opening.
Under the eyes of Michel Estevan
Under the eyes of Michel Estevan, coach of the Varois last season, goalkeeper Mocio distinguished himself with 5 saves in 45 minutes: on a returning corner from Beneddine (1st), against Abdeldjelil (3rd and 43rd) then Marcel (23rd and 26th).
The Gardois were also scared, because Iafrate, in competition, would have been sent off, guilty of a foul in the position of last defender while Lakhamy went alone on goal (27th)…
Opportunities galore… and a big Varoise opportunity on the counter
In the second period, Fréjus Saint-Raphaël completely changed its eleven, and NO had difficulty passing the second. After a shot on target from the incoming Sbaï (49th), the game was balanced for around twenty minutes, before the Gardois regained the upper hand… and the advantage in the number of chances.
Bouaoune had one (too crushed strike, 65th), the Abdeldjelil-Marcel doublet was a bit short (66th) on a good cross from Beneddine (promoted captain after the exit from Mexico), Camara’s goal with a header on a cross from Sbaï (73rd) was logically refused for offside, the returning eccentric free kick from El Hamri ended up on the crossbar (83rd), and that, well placed, from Khalid, was diverted by the Var replacement goalkeeper Bezzina (88th).
Against Nancy, it will probably score…
But it was almost the Riviera team that had the biggest opportunity: on a counterattack, center forward Barka found himself alone in front of Ichalalen but crossed his attempt too far (80th). Against Nancy, that will undoubtedly score…
