Key Takeaways:
- OGC Nice defeated RC Strasbourg 2-0 to advance to the Coupe de France final
- Elye Wahi scored both goals, including a late penalty following a VAR review
- Nice will face RC Lens in the final as they bid for their first Coupe de France title in 29 years
First Half: Missed Opportunities at Both Ends
OGC Nice, who have endured a difficult Ligue 1 campaign with just one win, five draws, and five defeats in their last eleven matches, managed to set aside their league struggles to claim a 2-0 victory over RC Strasbourg in the Coupe de France semi-final. The electric atmosphere at the Stade de la Meinau matched the game’s importance as both clubs aimed to pursue a fourth Coupe de France crown. The opening period was lively, yet neither side managed to find the net before the interval.
FT. Our @coupedefranceCA journey comes to an end at the semi-final stage.
0️⃣-2️⃣ #RCSAOGCN pic.twitter.com/pGE0XvoOoq
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) April 22, 2026
Nice carved out the initial major opening when Elye Wahi surged towards goal. With space created for his shot, Wahi’s toe-poked attempt struck the outside of the post, possibly aided by Mike Penders’ fingertips. At the opposite end, Martial Godo emerged as Strasbourg’s main threat. After narrowly missing with a curling effort, Godo squandered a golden opportunity moments later, sending a close-range effort high over the bar after Julio Enciso’s shot was blocked.
Breakthrough and Decisive Moments
After the restart, both sides continued to search for the elusive opener. Enciso broke through the Nice defence but headed a promising chance wide, allowing Nice to capitalise almost instantly. Jonathan Clauss provided the pivotal pass, releasing Wahi in on goal. Demonstrating composure, Wahi fired beyond Penders to give the visitors the advantage.
Spurred on by their supporters, Strasbourg mounted considerable pressure in pursuit of an equaliser. Enciso came closest with a powerful header from short range, only for Maxime Dupé to produce a brilliant reflex stop to deny him. Nice soon doubled their lead; following a VAR intervention, a penalty was awarded after Ismaël Doukouré fouled Mohamed-Ali Cho. Wahi converted confidently from the spot, effectively sealing the contest with less than ten minutes remaining.
Statistical Overview
Despite a valiant effort, Strasbourg were unable to respond, and Nice advanced to the Coupe de France final, where they will meet RC Lens as they try to secure their first triumph in the competition since 1997. Strasbourg, meanwhile, will be left frustrated by missed opportunities, but will shift their attention to the UEFA Conference League semi-final against Rayo Vallecano.
| Team | Score | Goal scorers |
|---|---|---|
| RC Strasbourg | 0 | – |
| OGC Nice | 2 | Elye Wahi 58’, 81’(penalty) |
Looking Ahead
OGC Nice will now prepare for their Coupe de France final encounter with RC Lens, hoping to end their 29-year wait for the trophy. RC Strasbourg, meanwhile, will regroup and focus on their upcoming UEFA Conference League semi-final against Rayo Vallecano, keeping their ambitions for silverware alive in Europe.
