NICE (Interstat) — Nice and FC Metz opened their Ligue 1 campaigns with a scoreless draw Sunday at Allianz Riviera, a result that defied pregame projections that heavily favored the home side.

Kojo Peprah Oppong, Boubacar Traoré and Elye Wahi each recorded an assist in the contest that saw no goals. Oppong, a defender, Traoré, a substitute, and Wahi, a forward, were credited with the offensive contributions, but neither team could convert any of the resulting shots into the back of the net.

The match produced three yellow cards. Wahi was cautioned in the 35th minute for a midfield foul. Traoré received a yellow card in the 73rd minute for a late challenge. Oppong was booked in the 75th minute for a tactical foul.

Both teams finished with identical records. Nice’s season record in Ligue 1 is 0 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw. FC Metz’s record is also 0 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw. The same marks apply to each club’s overall record across all competitions.

The scoreless outcome came despite Interstat’s pregame analysis. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Nice 3, FC Metz 0. Interstat’s ELO system gave Nice a 93.70 percent probability to win.

But on the pitch, the two sides matched each other in a tight defensive struggle. Nice held possession for extended stretches, particularly in the first half, but could not break through Metz’s organized backline. Metz relied on counterattacks and long balls but generated few clear scoring opportunities.

The best chance of the first half came in the 22nd minute when a Nice forward, set up by an assist, fired a shot from inside the box that curled just wide of the far post. Metz responded in the 61st minute with a header from a corner kick that forced a diving save from the Nice goalkeeper.

Both goalkeepers recorded clean sheets, each making several routine saves. The defensive units also contributed with blocks and interceptions that prevented any real danger.

The yellow cards in the second half changed the tempo. After Traoré was cautioned in the 73rd minute, Oppong followed just two minutes later, leading to a more cautious approach from both teams in the closing stages. Neither side wanted to risk a red card.

The draw gives both teams one point in the Ligue 1 standings. Nice, playing at home, will likely view the result as two points dropped, while Metz will see it as a valuable point on the road against a heavily favored opponent.

The match was the first of the season for both clubs. They will have a week to prepare before their next league fixtures. The Allianz Riviera crowd, announced at near capacity, witnessed a contest that featured few clear-cut chances despite the assists recorded by Oppong, Traoré and Wahi.