Algerian midfielder Himad Abdelli inspires Angers to derby rout of Nantes

Himad Abdelli delivered a standout performance as Angers crushed Nantes 4-1 in the Loire derby, fully embracing his role as the team’s creative heartbeat.

The Algerian midfielder was involved in three of Angers’ four goals and deservedly walked away with the man-of-the-match award.

He settled the team’s nerves early by converting a 17th-minute penalty after a foul on Belkhdim, giving Angers the perfect platform and then taking charge of ball recovery and distribution in midfield. After the break, Abdelli sparked the move for the second goal by clearing a header from his own box to Louis Mouton, who carried the ball over half the pitch before releasing Sidiki Cherif to make it 2-0 on 60 minutes.

Abdelli kept dictating play and twice went close himself, first with a low shot that drifted wide, then with a powerful effort that goalkeeper Anthony Lopes could only parry, allowing Harouna to follow up for the third in the 85th minute. Shortly after Abdelli was substituted, Angers added a fourth to cap a dominant display, with captain Haris Belkebla also impressing and Yassine Benhattab starting on the Nantes side.