Lens secured the Coupe de France for the first time in the club’s 120-year history after defeating Nice in the final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Florian Thauvin opened the scoring midway through the first half with a low finish into the corner before Odsonne Edouard doubled the lead shortly before the interval with a header. The former Celtic and Crystal Palace forward helped Lens take firm control before the break.
Nice managed to respond in stoppage time of the opening half through 17-year-old Djibril Coulibaly, who scored with a flicked header during his first domestic start for the club.
Despite pressure from Nice after halftime, Lens eventually sealed victory when substitute Abdallah Sima capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding in the 78th minute to make the score 3-1.
Nice threaten comeback but fail to find an equalizer
After reducing the deficit before the interval, Nice produced a stronger attacking display during the second half and pushed forward in search of a way back into the match.
The Ligue 1 side created several opportunities and twice struck the woodwork, but they were unable to convert their pressure into additional goals as Lens’ defence held firm.
Sima’s late strike effectively ended Nice’s hopes and ensured the trophy would head to Lens for the first time. The defeat extended Nice’s long wait for silverware, with the club still without a major honour since winning the French Cup in 1997.
Nice, managed by former Southampton and Leicester City coach Claude Puel, finished 16th in Ligue 1 this season, one position and nine points above the relegation zone.
Historic season continues for Lens
The cup victory represents Lens’ first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 1999 and arrives one year after the club secured the only league title in its history.
Lens also enjoyed a strong domestic campaign, finishing second in Ligue 1, six points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain. PSG’s defence of the Coupe de France ended unexpectedly after defeat to Paris FC in the round of 32.
For Lens, the triumph in Paris marks another landmark achievement during one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
Nice, meanwhile, was denied the chance to add a fifth French Cup to their honours list despite an improved second-half performance in the final.