Auxerre 1-0 Nice: Archer ends three-match losing run

Auxerre make their chances count in 1-0 win over Nice

Auxerre defeated Nice 1-0 at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps on Saturday, September 12, securing a first Ligue 1 victory of the season. Cameron Archer scored the only goal in the 74th minute, with Christ Makosso providing the assist.

Archer decides a tight contest

The decisive move came midway through the second half. Makosso created the opening for Archer, who finished for his first recorded goal of the match and gave Auxerre the lead. Nice responded with a yellow card for Djibril Coulibaly in the same minute, but could not find an equaliser.

Both coaches made changes as the match progressed. Auxerre introduced Romain Faivre for Remy Labeau Lascary in the 71st minute, then brought on Naouirou Ahamada and Pierre Ekwah late in the game. Nice used Ali Abdi, Sofiane Diop and Nathan Ngoumou, but those adjustments did not alter the score.

Kevin Danois received Auxerre’s only booking in the 44th minute. The match ended with one yellow card for each side and no red cards.

Nice had the ball, but Auxerre had the sharper threat

Nice controlled possession with 68% and completed 550 accurate passes from 628 attempts, compared with Auxerre’s 202 accurate passes from 292. Nice also took 12 shots to Auxerre’s 11 and won eight corners, five more than the hosts.

The scoreline nevertheless reflected Auxerre’s greater efficiency in front of goal. Auxerre registered seven shots on target, while Nice managed four. The hosts also had 11 shots inside the box to Nice’s seven, suggesting that their fewer possessions were converted into more direct opportunities. Both goalkeepers made four saves, underlining how the game remained close despite Nice’s territorial advantage.

First win changes the form picture

The result ends Auxerre’s run of three consecutive losses and provides a clean-sheet victory after a difficult opening sequence. The supplied Ligue 1 standings list Auxerre 18th with 0 points from three matches and a -7 goal difference, while Nice are 15th with two points from three games and a -3 goal difference. Nice’s recent sequence of draw, loss and draw is therefore followed by another defeat, while Auxerre’s response to their earlier losses is a valuable three-point result.

Makosso was the standout performer, earning an 8.1 rating after playing all 90 minutes. His assist and two key passes directly reflected his influence on the winning moment and Auxerre’s attacking threat. Archer also made the difference, scoring the goal and recording two shots on target in 87 minutes.