Bad boy Moffi redeems himself from disciplinary issue despite Nice loss to Roma in Europa League

Terem Moffi stepped off the bench to score for OGC Nice in their 2-1 defeat to AS Roma, after being sanctioned for a disciplinary breach.

However, the Nigerian striker’s late penalty was not enough to rescue his side from yet another frustrating European night.

Nice’s Europa League opener was clouded before kick-off when reports revealed that Moffi and Jonathan Clauss had been sanctioned by the club for arriving late to a team meeting earlier in the week.

As a result, neither player was included in Franck Haise’s starting XI, with Kevin Carlos preferred up front despite his struggles since joining from Basel.

The disciplinary measure added further strain to an already difficult period for Nice, who came into the clash winless in 13 European matches.

Yet, when Moffi was finally introduced, he showed why he remains a vital figure for the Ligue 1 side and after Niccolo Pisilli fouled Antoine Mendy inside the box, the 26-year-old confidently converted the penalty, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.

For much of the evening, Roma’s quality made the difference. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, introduced at half-time, orchestrated proceedings as Evan Ndicka headed in the opener from his corner.

Just minutes later, Gianluca Mancini’s thunderous volley doubled the lead, silencing the home crowd. Nice fought hard to stay in the contest, and Moffi’s goal from the spot provided late drama, but it was too little, too late.

Roma saw out the result, leaving Haise’s side still searching for their first European win in over a year. Despite the loss, Moffi’s goal may help repair his standing at the club after a turbulent week.