Real Maldive edged out Tigers in a closely contested match at Stad Linite on Wednesday. The final scoreline stood at 2-1, with both teams displaying determination and vigor throughout the game.
Real Maldive broke the deadlock in the 7th minute when Bezatovo Geraldon Ralay Jean Nisction found the back of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Tigers, determined to level the score, fought back valiantly, and their efforts paid off in the 37th minute when Zinola Francois scored a nice goal, demonstrating his prowess and showcasing his delicate first touch.
It was in the 71st minute that the decisive goal came, as Mario Thomas of Real Maldive capitalized on an opportunity and slotted the ball into the net, securing a 2-1 victory for his team.
Real Maldive, currently sitting atop the Seychelles Championship table, further solidified their position as leaders with an impressive 42 goals scored and only 17 conceded after nine rounds of play. Their commanding performance in 2023 has established them as the team to beat.
On the other hand, Tigers has been grappling with a recent struggle, similar to fellow team Bel Air. With a three-game winless streak, Tigers finds themselves vulnerable to being overtaken by Bel Air, Revengers, and Rovers in the coming weeks. The end of the year has proven to be less than ideal for Tigers, as they face the prospect of slipping down the rankings.
As the final matches of 2023 draw near, both Real Maldive and Tigers will look to regroup and strategize for the challenges that lie ahead. With plenty of football left to be played, it remains to be seen how the teams will fare in their pursuit of success.
Real Maldive Starting XI:
#1 Martrid Adrienne
#21 Gerick Vidot
#2 Jocelyn Fenosoa
#3 Christopher Tamatave (substituted in the 80th minute)
#6 Xavier Randrainjafy
#7 Gerard Basset
#10 Marlon Rose
#11 Bezatovo Geraldon Ralay Jean Nisction
#18 Jean-Paul Barreau
#20 Gavin Patrick Domingue (substituted in the 48th minute)
#29 Christian Rakotoson
Substitutes:
#4 Terence Crea (substituted in the 80th minute)
#5 Dave Malcouzane
#13 Aaron Stephen Payet
#19 Russel Anacoura
#22 Mario Thomas (substituted in the 48th minute)
#23 Terry Crea
#26 Darren Lenny Laurence
Tigers Starting XI:
#1 Bastia Eddit
#15 Bertrand Esther
#2 Achille Simeon
#4 Rafaelo Cecile
#5 Clariel Rokotondramananitra
#7 Marcus Esparon (substituted in the 58th minute)
#11 Mario Matombe
#12 Wayne Ryan Thomas Louise
#13 Raphael Madeleine (substituted in the 86th minute)
#14 Oliver Camille (substituted in the 73rd minute)
#18 Zinola Francois
Substitutes:
#6 Ted Brian Lewis
#9 Wilnest Lyroy Bernet Françoise (substituted in the 73rd minute)
#10 Kim Chang-Tak-Hue (substituted in the 58th minute)
#19 Trevor Bristol
#20 Imran Lesperance (substituted in the 86th minute)
#21 Phidellio Moustache
#30 Archille Dodin
