Elye Wahi scored twice to fire OGC Nice into the Coupe de France final with a 2-0 victory over RC Strasbourg, delivering a decisive performance in a match dominated for long spells by the hosts.
Nice arrived under pressure following a difficult domestic campaign, but found relief in the cup as Wahi’s clinical finishing proved the difference on Wednesday night.
The visitors withstood early pressure from Strasbourg, who controlled possession and dictated the tempo in the first half.
Despite creating several chances, the home side were unable to break through, with their attacking efforts lacking precision in front of goal.
That wastefulness was punished shortly after the break.
Wahi opened the scoring in the 51st minute, finishing off a quick counter-attack.
After being released by Jonathan Clauss down the right, the forward calmly slotted home with his right foot to give Nice the lead against the run of play.
The goal shifted the momentum of the contest, forcing Strasbourg to push forward in search of an equaliser.
However, despite maintaining their dominance in possession, they continued to struggle in the final third.
Strasbourg ended the match with 66% of the ball and registered 17 attempts, compared to Nice’s four. Yet only two of those efforts tested the goalkeeper, highlighting their inefficiency in front of goal.
Julio Enciso was at the centre of Strasbourg’s attacking play, taking seven shots and being involved in several of the team’s biggest chances, but he was unable to convert any of them.
Nice, meanwhile, remained compact and disciplined. Their defensive organisation proved key as they absorbed pressure and looked to strike on the break.
They recorded 36 clearances and 20 tackles, while also winning a slight majority of duels.
The decisive second goal came in the 82nd minute, again through Wahi.
Substitute Mohamed-Ali Cho won a penalty after being fouled by Ismaël Doukouré, and Wahi stepped up to convert from the spot, sealing his brace and effectively ending the contest.
Referee François Letexier had earlier consulted VAR over a potential penalty for Nice, but no decision was given at that moment.
The later incident involving Cho, however, resulted in the spot-kick that confirmed Nice’s progress.
Strasbourg continued to press in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through a well-organised Nice defence.
Goalkeeper Maxime Dupé contributed with a key save and several interventions as the visitors managed the final minutes.
The result sees Nice advance to the Coupe de France final, where they will face RC Lens.
