Thanks to its strikers Gaëtan Larborde, Terem Moffi and Billal Brahimi, authors of a goal each, Nice will continue its history with the European Cup this season.

For the first time in 63 years, and an elimination in 1960 against Real Madrid in the Cup of Champions Clubs of the time (the equivalent of the current Champions League), the Aiglons will live a European quarter-final. They will know this Friday at 14:00 their next opponent.

Without Sofiane Diop, Youcef Atal, Antoine Mendy, injured, without Dante, suspended, and especially without his regulator Hicham Boudaoui, in the group communicated the day before but who, insufficiently recovered from a blow to the hip taken in Nantes last Sunday, gave up at the very last moment, Nice took time to take the measure of its opponent.

Despite its dominance, the Côte d'Azur team started late to approach the goals of the Ukrainian Maxym Koval. The Aiglons' first attempt, by Aaron Ramsey, slightly deflected into the corner, did not come until the 25th minute.

Nice striker Gaëtan Laborde (c) scored against Sheriff Tiraspol on March 16, 2023 in Nice © Valery HACHE / AFP

Then, on a perfectly started counter by Laborde from his own camp on the left side, Nice took the lead. The ex-Rennes player relied on future A international, Khephren Thuram, who propelled him towards the opposing goals. After 80 meters of sprint, Laborde offered, with a nice dive, a third European goal this season as well as a triumph in front of a crowded Kop Nice (1-0, 30th).

Digard rectifies, Brahimi qualifies

Relieved, Nice then maintained its vigilance. If the Sheriff struck only once, from distance, by Moussa Kyabou (37th), Moffi lacked finesse (45th + 1) and Pablo Rosario, promptness (45th + 2) to double the bet.

Little seen in the first half, Brahimi and Moffi more often went deep after the break. First the Algerian could not beat Koval (49th). But the Nigerian did not miss.

Nice Billal Brahimi (l) and Terem Moffi against Sheriff Tiraspol, on March 16, 2023 in Nice © Valery HACHE / AFP

After a one-two with Rosario, he passed the Moldovan rearguard, before sending a winning cross between the legs of Zimbabwean defender Munashe Garananga (2-0, 53rd).

This time, however, Didier Digard's men, relayed by Julien Sablé in the European Cup - UEFA reproaching him for not yet holding the diploma of professional coach - have lost their concentration. The excellent Burkinabe striker Abdoul Tapsoba punished a series of errors by Melvin Bard and Jean-Clair Todibo (2-1, 55th).

Digard then made four changes in one go (67th). He went from a 4-5-1 to a 5-4-1. The Niçois thwarted, pushed by the opposing pressure and stressed by a possible return of the Sheriff. After taking out defender Youssuf Ndayishimiye, hit, and bringing in young midfielder Reda Belahyane, Digard rectified. Nice went back to 4-5-1, and regained control of the middle (75th).

Nice striker Billal Brahimi against Sheriff Tiraspol, on March 16, 2023 in Nice © Valery HACHE / AFP

That was all it took for Brahimi to sound the charge. Moffi, whom he shifted, hit the post. But the young Algerian international followed well and ensured a historic and deserved qualification for the Gym (3-1, 79th).

© 2023 AFP