For their third preparatory match, OGC Nice faced Sporting Clube de Braga (Portugal) in a much-anticipated game by supporters, eager to discover the Gym’s new recruits.
With an expanded group of 28 players, Francesco Farioli arrived in Braga with more than one trick up his sleeve. After a behind-closed-doors match won (1-0) thanks to the skill of Alexis Claude-Maurice on Saturday morning at the Portuguese club’s training center, the Aiglons moved on to the main encounter against the first team with a kickoff at 8 p.m.
Despite the absence of Hicham Boudaoui, sidelined due to a thigh issue, Kasper Schmeichel, Jean-Clair Todibo, Dante, Khéphren Thuram, and Gaëtan Laborde were indeed part of the squad. Additionally, the Italian tactician wasted no time, having already integrated Morgan Sanson and Jérémie Boga into the starting lineup.
A Balanced Match
On the very fine pitch of the Stadium of Braga, marked by the presence of Portuguese fans who came in numbers to cheer, the match was immediately dynamic. With ball possession evenly distributed between both teams, Gym posed several threats and Morgan Sanson came close to opening the score. Convincing in his first match, the Frenchman was followed by Jérémie Boga, who made the difference in a one-on-one situation, significantly aided by his above-average speed and technical skills.
Unfortunately for the Aiglons, Ricardo Horta, the star captain of his team, found the net with a splendid strike from outside the penalty area (40’), unstoppable for Kasper Schmeichel. A tough blow for the Nice team, who were close to concluding a satisfactory first half. The second half, however, can be summed up by less inspired play, even though Boga picked up the pace and Moffi missed two opportunities to equalize. It was ultimately André Castro who sounded the death knell by doubling the score in the 77th minute for Braga.
OGC Nice’s journey doesn’t stop there, as they are set to play again next Saturday live from Newcastle (St James’ Park) against Villarreal (Spain). A fourth preparatory match not to be missed.
