Defending champions Foresters made an impressive start to the new football season with a 1-0 victory over La Passe in the President’s Cup. The match, held at the newly-resurfaced Stad Linite pitch, saw Foresters claim the title in a closely contested encounter.
The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute through an own goal by La Passe defender Archille Ernesta. Despite their efforts to equalize, La Passe couldn’t break through Foresters’ defense, allowing the Forêt Noire-based side to hold on to their slim lead.
Foresters’ head coach Harold Hoareau expressed satisfaction with the victory but believed his team could have secured a more comfortable win. Hoareau acknowledged that the own goal was a stroke of luck but highlighted missed opportunities in the first half that could have put the match to bed earlier. Despite minor issues with training facilities, including the turf and lighting, Hoareau affirmed that Foresters would vigorously defend their league title.
Team captain Warren Mellie expressed his joy at winning the President’s Cup, emphasizing the team’s hard work and dedication in training. Mellie considered the victory special, especially after being runners-up in the same cup previously. He also emphasized the importance of accepting the decisions made by officials in football.
Meanwhile, La Passe’s coaching staff expressed their disappointment with the match officials, feeling that decisions favored Foresters. Assistant coach Marius Fanchette admitted that his team did not perform to their usual standards, and the result did not go their way. Fanchette called for officials to make accurate decisions to foster the progress of Seychellois football.
Assistant manager Fred Moïse echoed Fanchette’s sentiments, claiming that the officials displayed bias in their decisions, favoring the opposing team. Moïse believed that certain Foresters players should have been sent off for repeated fouls but were only cautioned verbally. Despite their disappointment, La Passe remains focused on their goal of winning the league title.
As the season progresses, both Foresters and La Passe will aim to build on their performances and make their mark in the Seychelles football scene.
