Football: a friendly match between Nîmes and Fréjus Saint-Raphaël (0-0)

First match of the year at Antonins, with Mexico captain of the Crocos. MIDI LIBRE – E. DZ.

This Saturday, January 4, in a friendly match at Antonins, Nîmes Olympique had the chances, as usual, but the worst attack in the National championship failed to find the fault against Fréjus Saint-Raphaël, 4th in group A of National 2 (0-0).

A week after the resumption of training and six days before challenging the leader Nancy in National (Friday January 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Antonins), Nîmes received Fréjus/Saint-Raphaël in a friendly at the Antonins, behind closed doors.

A dozen absentees

Without this serving as a dress rehearsal for the reception of the Lorrains, because NO had too many absentees to be in official match configuration. Goalkeepers Simon (a little sick, preserved) and Cozzella as well as field players Mendy, Diouf, Doukansy, Picouleau, Lemaangr, Delpech and Amara (+ starter Ali Abdallah) were out. That is about ten elements.

Adil Hermach's little brother, Marwane, an interesting starter

The Crocos started with Ichalalen as goalkeeper, Labonne, Iafrate, Paviot and Beneddine in defense; Marwane Hermach (19 years old), the coach's little brother, Akkal, Mexique (captain) and Bouaoune in the middle; Marcel and Abdeldjelil up front. They largely dominated the first half against the 4th in group A of N2 but, as is often the case, they were unable to find the opening.

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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 corner kick from Beneddine (1st), against Abdeldjelil (3rd and 43rd) then Marcel (23rd and 26th).

The Gardois also gave themselves a scare, 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)…

Chances galore… and a big opportunity for Var on the counter

In the second half, Fréjus Saint-Raphaël completely changed its eleven, and NO had trouble moving up a gear. After a shot on target from substitute Sbaï (49th), the game was balanced for about twenty minutes, before the Gardois regained the upper hand… and the advantage in terms of the number of chances.

Bouaoune had one (shot too crushed, 65th), the Abdeldjelil-Marcel duo was a bit short (66th) on a good cross from Beneddine (promoted captain after Mexico's exit), Camara's goal with a header from a cross from Sbaï (73rd) was logically disallowed for offside, El Hamri's in-center free kick ended up on the crossbar (83rd), and Khalid's well-placed one was deflected by substitute Var goalkeeper Bezzina (88th).

Against Nancy, it will probably be a goal…

But it was almost the Côte d'Azur team that had the biggest opportunity: on a counter-attack, centre-forward Barka found himself alone in front of Ichalalen but crossed his attempt too much (80th). Against Nancy, that will probably be a goal…