OGC Nice and FC Lorient Open New Season with Scoreless Draw
Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 1, 22/08/26
OGC Nice and FC Lorient kicked off their new seasons with a goalless draw (0-0) at the Allianz Riviera, which remained empty for the match as both teams introduced new management.
The Match
The opening of the season felt similar to the previous one in several respects. Once again, Nice played in front of empty stands at the Allianz Riviera, and questions surrounding the club’s future lingered due to the presence of disinterested owners, INEOS. The recent sale of minority stakes in Manchester United marked a shift, yet Nice remains officially on the market.
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However, there were indications of a new direction under the leadership of manager Olivier Pantaloni. In his debut match with Le Gym, he faced off against his former club, with Lorient appearing more dominant in the first half hour.
Mamadou Koné, unmarked from six yards out, missed a vital scoring opportunity, failing to convert Gabin Bernaerdeau’s pass. Lorient’s best chances came from mistakes made by Nice’s defense. A careless mistake by Djibril Coulibaly allowed Arthur Avom to assist Jean-Victor Makengo, whose shot just missed the target. Moments later, another error from goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf nearly cost his team when he misplayed the ball to Bernardeau, who failed to capitalize on the one-on-one opportunity.
The visitors continued to pose a threat into the second half, testing Diouf for the first time. After a close-range shot from Théo Le Bris was blocked, Noah Caidou had his deflected effort repelled by Diouf.
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Nathan N’Gooumou had a chance almost immediately after entering the game for Nice but hesitated and was unable to create a clear shot, resulting in a deflection over the bar. In injury time, Tosin Aiyegun had a free header but sent it over the crossbar, leaving Nice relieved. Both teams settled for a draw, as the tenures of Pantaloni at Nice and Alexandre Dujeux at Lorient began unceremoniously.
OGC Nice Player Ratings
Yehvann Diouf – 5
Xavier Mandza – 7
Making his professional debut is a pivotal moment, and Mandza appeared unfazed by the pressure. He performed confidently, ensuring no errors and demonstrating excellent passing ability, particularly with long balls. A strong start to his career.
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Youssouf Ndayishimiye – 6
Antoine Mendy – 4
Melvin Bard – 5
Everton – 6
Djibril Coulibaly – 4
Jonathan Clauss – 6
Claus received the captain’s armband and displayed signs of improvement after a difficult season. He contributed positively, particularly in defense, where he effectively handled the backline.
Sofiane Diop – 5
Gauthier Hein – 4
Zoumana Diallo – 3
With Elye Wahi reportedly joining, Diallo’s performance did not strengthen his case for playing time this season. He failed to create goal-scoring opportunities and was promptly substituted by Mohamed-Ali Cho in the second half.
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Selected Lorient Player Ratings
Gabin Bernardeau – 4
The former Nice player will be disappointed with his missed scoring chances despite finding himself in dangerous positions. His interception for a chance in the first half was commendable, but he needed to finish better against an isolated Diouf.
Mamadou Koné – 3
Noah Cadiou – 6
Arthur Avom – 7
Avom stood out as a vital player for Lorient, excelling in both defensive and offensive phases. He effectively tracked back to support his team in transitions and demonstrated composure under pressure, proving instrumental in launching counter-attacks.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice
Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 1, 22/08/26
At an empty Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice and FC Lorient saw out a goalless draw (0-0) as both sides rang in a new era with new managers in the dugout.
The Match
In many ways, the start of this season felt like a continuation of the last. As they did in the relegation play-off, Nice played in front of an empty Allianz Riviera, and the continued presence of uninterested owners INEOS gave rise to questions about the club’s direction. The Manchester United minority shareholders saw a sale of the club follow through during the off-season; the club is still officially for sale.
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But certain aspects marked a break from the previous regime. The starting XI was filled with largely unknown academy products making their breakthroughs, but more than anything else, it is the arrival of Olivier Pantaloni as manager that marks a welcome fresh start. In his first official game as manager of Le Gym, he came up against his former side, and it was Lorient who had the better of the first 30 minutes.
Mamadou Koné, unmarked and just six yards out, got nothing on Gabin Bernaerdeau’s cross; he ought to have scored. But Lorient’s best chances were handed to them. Djibril Coulibaly handed the ball straight to Arthur Avom, who fed Jean-Victor Makengo. His shot from the edge of the box was just inches wide. It was difficulty playing out from the back that was Nice’s downfall again just seconds later. This time it was an error entirely of Yehvann Diouf’s making. He played the ball out to former teammate Bernardeau, who couldn’t beat the Senegal international one-on-one – a redemption of sorts.
It was the visitors who continued to look the more dangerous into the second-half and it was Diouf who was the first goalkeeper to be tested. He didn’t know a lot about it, mind. After Théo Le Bris’ close-range drive was blocked, the ball came out to Noah Caidou, whose effort was deflected at close-range by Bernardeau. Diouf was in the right place to block with his torso.
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Nathan N’Gooumou had a chance with almost his first touch in a Nice shirt. But fed inside the box, he hesitated, failed to work a shooting angle, and saw his close-range effort deflected over. Moments later, in injury time, Tosin Aiyegun did have a clear sight of goal, but he put his free header over. A let-off for the home side. The spoils were shared; the start of the Pantaloni era at Nice and the Alexandre Dujeux era at Lorient get off to a rather underwhelming start.
OGC Nice player ratings
Yehvann Diouf – 5
Xavier Mandza – 7
Making your professional debut is always a big moment. It is normal for nerves to show, especially when you are debuting in a position that isn’t your own. Mandza certainly didn’t show any evidence of nerves. He was composed on the ball, error-free, and, as you would expect given that he is a midfielder by trade, he was excellent on the ball; his long passing was particularly impressive. An excellent start to his professional career.
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Youssouf Ndayishimiye – 6
Antoine Mendy – 4
Melvin Bard – 5
Everton – 6
Djibril Coulibaly – 4
Jonathan Clauss – 6
Given the captain’s armband, there were promising signs. His level for much of last season was quite alarming for a player who remains in the conversation for the France national team. This was a more accomplished performance, particularly defensively. He swept up nicely.
Sofiane Diop – 5
Gauthier Hein – 4
Zoumana Diallo – 3
With Elye Wahi reportedly incoming, Diallo didn’t do his argument for minutes this season too much good. He failed to act as a focal point and lacked the instinct inside the box to get himself in goal-scoring positions. It was only logical that he was the first to be replaced by Mohamed-Ali Cho on the hour mark.
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Selected Lorient player ratings
Gabin Bernardeau – 4
The former Nicois will be glad to have got himself in goal-scoring positions but disappointed by his execution when he did get into them. He did well to intercept for his glaring chance in the first half but really should have beaten a stranded Diouf. Nonetheless, Nice’s decision to let him go for such a nomial fee (€1m) this summer looks misguided. There is a player there.
Mamadou Koné – 3
Noah Cadiou – 6
Arthur Avom -7
The key man in this Lorient side. Excellent in both phases of play. His tracking back saved his side in transition. He has composure under pressure when on the ball, too, and a faultless touch that allows him to get out of sticky situations. The instigator of counter-attacks, too, he was near-faultless on the night.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice
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