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Frédéric Piquionne’s early goal handed Saint-Etienne all three points against Nice at the Stade du Ray on Saturday.
Les Verts remain unbeaten this season, but their Coach Elie Baup will be thrilled with this victory after seeing his side draw four of their opening five matches. Nice, meanwhile, continue to struggle at home and failed to follow up their dramatic win in Paris a fortnight ago with a second consecutive win.
Inspired by their hard-working skipper Julien Sablé, the visitors enjoyed midfield superiority early on. Sablé was at the heart of the game’s only goal, too, winning possession in the centre of the park before releasing Pascal Feindouno through the middle. The Guinean had the presence of mind to pick out the unmarked Piquionne, and Saint-Etienne’s top goalscorer added another to his tally.
With former Monaco striker Souleymane Camara leading their attack, Nice looked to draw level straight away. They were unlucky not to do so midway through the first period when Anther Yahia headed Marama Vahirua’s free kick against the post.
Saint-Etienne ‘keeper Jérémy Janot then made two terrific saves to preserve his team’s advantage at the interval, first from Bakary Koné then in spectacular fashion from Vahirua. the agile custodian was at it again after the break, this time denying Koné from point-blank range in the 56th minute.
As the home side pressed forward with greater urgency, they were almost caught out when Feindouno raced clear - only to see his shot saved by Damien Grégorini. Nice fought hard until the bitter end and it took another fine save from the outstanding Janot to keep out Camara’s header, which looked bound for the top corner, on 88 minutes.
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