Lens Clinch First-Ever French Cup Title with Win Over Nice

Lens made history by winning the French Cup for the first time, beating Nice 3-1 in the final at the Stade de France on Friday. Florian Thauvin, who was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team, played a key role by scoring once and assisting Odsonne Edouard, helping Lens build a 2-0 lead before halftime.

Nice managed to pull one back just before the break through teenager Djibril Coulibaly, who scored his first senior goal. In the second half, they came close to equalizing but were denied twice by the woodwork.

Lens sealed the victory late on when substitute Abdallah Sima scored in the 78th minute, setting off big celebrations. The victory ends a strong season for the northern French side. Under new coach Pierre Sage, they finished second in Ligue 1 behind dominant Paris Saint-Germain and booked a place in next season’s Champions League.

It is also a historic moment for Lens, who had never lifted the French Cup before. They had reached the final three times, with the last appearance coming in 1998, the same year they won their only league title.

Most of the near full crowd at the 80,000-seat Stade de France were behind Lens, while many Nice fans chose not to come. It was another setback for Nice in a tough season that is still ongoing. They finished third from bottom in Ligue 1, so they now face a two-leg play-off next week against second-division Saint-Etienne to stay in the top flight.

Florian Thauvin missed out on a spot in France’s World Cup squad, but still looked determined to make an impact. The former Newcastle United forward scored the opening goal with a powerful finish after 25 minutes.

He later delivered the corner for the second goal, which Odsonne Edouard, a former Celtic striker, headed in. Coulibaly brought Nice back into the match with a header, but things shifted soon after when Antoine Mendy hit the bar just after the restart.

Rather than equalising, Nice were punished again. Senegal striker Abdallah Sima reacted quickest to a header played back towards his own goal by experienced Brazilian defender Dante and poked the ball in.

Lens have now become the fifth different team to win the French Cup in the past eight seasons. During this period, Rennes, Nantes, Toulouse and PSG have also lifted the trophy.