Lens coach Antoine Kombouare has praised his players for reaching a pre-season goal of achieving 20 points following their 2-0 victory over Nice.

Kombouare's side have not had the best of luck this campaign after a number of injuries and quiet summer transfer market, but the coach has said that he is pleased with how his players have responded.

"We had planned on having 20 points at the start of the season, and I cannot hide the fact we were very worried: we had lost eight players, no new arrivals, a lot of youngster." said Kombouare, according to the official Ligue 1 website.

"I never would have thought we would have 19 points, and now we have them. It's good, but I know the second half of the season will be difficult.

"I am very proud of my players. I recognise myself in this team because it does not know its limits. The road is still very very long."

Lens currently occupy 16th place in the Ligue 1 table, but are level on points with 18th-place Metz in the relegation zone.