RC Lens Storm into Coupe de France Round of 16 with Dominant Display Over OGC Nice

On 23 May 2026, RC Lens booked their place in the Coupe de France Round of 16 with a commanding 3–1 victory over OGC Nice at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. A spirited performance from the home side, backed by a passionate crowd of over 38,000, ensured Lens progressed comfortably against a Ligue 1 rival.

Match Overview

Lens started brightly, pressing Nice high and forcing early turnovers. They took the lead in the 12th minute when Florian Sotoca volleyed home a cross from wing-back Przemysław Frankowski. Nice responded well and equalised through Gaëtan Laborde in the 28th minute after a deflection off Lens defender Kevin Danso. However, Lens regained control just before half-time when midfielder Seko Fofana thumped a 25-yard effort into the top corner.

Second-Half Dominance

Lens continued to dominate after the break. Their third goal came in the 63rd minute through a brilliant solo run from Wesley Saïd, who dribbled past three Nice defenders before slotting home. Nice pushed for a late goal but found Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba in inspired form, making several key saves to preserve the two-goal cushion.

Tactical Story

Lens head coach Franck Haise deployed his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, with wing-backs Frankowski and Deiver Machado providing width. Nice, under Francesco Farioli, set up in a 4-3-3 but were overwhelmed in midfield by Lens's aggressive press. The absence of injured Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram was keenly felt as Lens dictated the tempo throughout.

Standout Performers

• Seko Fofana (Lens) – Commanding midfield display capped by a stunning long-range goal.
• Wesley Saïd (Lens) – Unplayable in the second half, his goal was a moment of individual brilliance.
• Brice Samba (Lens) – Crucial saves to deny Nice any chance of a comeback.

Impact on the Season

Lens's victory continues their strong run in domestic cup competitions, and they will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Stade de Reims in the next round. Meanwhile, Nice's focus shifts entirely to their Ligue 1 campaign, where they sit 5th and are battling for a European spot.

For Lens, the performance highlighted their quality and depth as they aim for a deep run in the Coupe de France. The fans at Bollaert-Delelis left delighted, knowing their team is capable of creating more memorable nights.