Nice secure place in Coupe de France final following impressive win over Strasbourg

Both teams were eager to advance to the final and add to their tally of three Coupe de France titles each. The vibrant crowd at Stade de la Meinau witnessed an intense yet goalless first half.

Each side created significant chances to open the scoring but faltered due to a lack of precision in the penalty area.

Nice generated the initial clear opportunity when Elye Wahi advanced on goal. Although the angle widened for him, his poked shot struck the outside of the post, possibly deflected by Mike Penders fingertips.

Martial Godo posed the greatest danger for the home team as they pushed for the lead, yet he lacked his usual sharpness.

He might have been unfortunate with a curling shot that sailed just over from the edge of the box, but shortly after he ought to have scored.

Julio Enciso first attempted a shot on target that was blocked, the rebound falling to Godo in the six yard box. With the supporters poised to celebrate, he inexplicably fired over the bar.

Missed opportunities seemed set to define the match post interval when Enciso pulled a shot wide after breaking clear, but he and Strasbourg were swiftly made to pay at the opposite end.

Jonathan Clauss crafted the chance with a well timed pass to set Wahi free on goal, and he stayed composed to rifle a strike past Penders into the bottom corner.

Now behind but with unwavering support from the fans, Strasbourg mounted a fierce attack, though subpar finishing combined with exceptional keeping denied them an equaliser.

Enciso came close once more with a powerful header from near range that looked certain to find the net, but Maxime Dupé produced an incredible reflex stop to deny him.

Another key Strasbourg error was promptly capitalised upon, as a VAR check confirmed Ismaël Doukouré had brought down Mohamed-Ali Cho in the box, allowing Wahi to convert the penalty with under 10 minutes remaining.

The hosts pushed desperately for a dramatic comeback but failed to break through, ensuring Nice will face RC Lens in the final in their bid to end a 29 year drought for this competition.

Strasbourg will rue this performance, though they can still aim for trophies with a UEFA Conference League semi final against Rayo Vallecano ahead.