METZ, France (AP) — Nice went top of the French league on Saturday by edging Metz 1-0 with a goal from Hicham Boudaoui.
Nice is one of only two teams still unbeaten in the league, along with Rennes. Monaco can take the top spot back with a win at Reims later Saturday.
Algeria midfielder Boudaoui converted a low cross from Melvin Bard in the 14th minute and also created a chance for Terem Moffi, who was denied by Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja in the 58th.
Nice targeted the right side of the Metz defence. Khephren Thuram threatened in the fourth minute with a cross-shot that bounced off the bar. Jeremie Boga cut inside to fire straight at Oukidja in the 30th.
The visitors lived up to their reputation as the tightest defence in the league by keeping a fifth clean sheet in their last six games.
Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka saved long-range efforts from Oscar Estupinan in the 28th and Fali Cande in stoppage time. Youssouf Ndayishimiye rescued Bulka in the 38th by blocking a goalbound volley from Metz leftback Matthieu Udol.
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