OGC Nice secured their place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France by defeating FC Lorient on their home turf after a tightly contested match, which ended in a penalty shootout (0-0, 6-5 on penalties). This qualification came in a unique scenario, as the Nice players enjoyed a numerical advantage for a significant portion of the match following the expulsion of Pablo Pagis from the Lorient side.
For this quarter-final, the Gym also had to cope without Sofiane Diop, the Moroccan international, who was automatically suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This was a significant absence in the offensive rotation, but Nice managed to maintain their rhythm, relying on a solid performance from their goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf, who was decisive at the crucial moment of the shootout.
Another noteworthy event: Mohamed-Ali Cho, a player of Moroccan descent, was brought on at halftime, while Nice was already enjoying a numerical advantage and looking to break the Breton defense. Despite limited opportunities, the qualification ultimately came down to precision and composure during the penalty shootout, where Nice managed to make the difference to reach the last four.
