Gabon's Bouanga scores brace as Saint-Etienne hammer Nice

Denis Bouanga scored two goals and provided an assist as Saint-Etienne hammered Nice 4-1 in a Ligue 1 fixture.

The 25-year-old who made his 16th league appearance of the season at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Wednesday broke the deadlock for the hosts with his effort from the penalty spot in the 11th minute.

Three minutes after the opener, Kasper Dolberg drew both teams level but Claude Puel's men fought on to restore their lead before half-time with Romain Hamouma and Wesley Fofana hitting the target in the 38th and 40th minutes respectively.

Later in the second half, Bouanga sealed maximum points for Saint-Etienne with his 58th-minute effort which stretched his tally to seven league goals this campaign.

The Gabon international will now shift his focus to Sunday when fifth-placed Saint-Etienne visit Reims for their next league encounter.