In a highly competitive match, both Saint Louis and Anse Reunion were eager to secure crucial points. The pressure was mounting for both teams, given the results of other games during the week. Saint Louis needed a victory to reclaim the top position in the Seychelles Premier League after Foresters dropped points and Lightstars won 1-0 against Red Star DF. On the other hand, Northern Dynamo and PTL Bazar Brothers had secured wins, putting pressure on Anse Reunion to keep pace.
Right from the start, Anse Reunion displayed their motivation, launching an early shot on goal within seconds of the match commencing. The intensity of the game was reflected in the number of yellow cards and a subsequent red card. Nardo from Anse Reunion received his second yellow card in the 71st minute, making the task even more challenging for his team. Up until that point, Nardo had been one of the key players for Anse Reunion. Notably, Iavotriniaina Razafidratsimba showcased an exceptional work rate for Anse Reunion, earning praise for his performance.
Saint Louis initially struggled to cope with the relentless effort put in by Anse Reunion. However, once they scored the opening goal, the pressure eased, especially after learning of Lightstars’ victory during the halftime break. Despite numerous opportunities in the second half, Saint Louis managed to convert only one of them into a goal. Some of their players appeared to struggle in front of the net, resulting in a tense finish. Nonetheless, the three points collected were the ultimate priority.
A noteworthy detail emerged from the match, which garnered attention on social media. The counter-attack leading to the decisive 1-0 goal began with a possible handball by Dean Mothe. Although it remains difficult to determine conclusively even with the aid of slow-motion replays, discussions surrounding the incident have sparked debate. On our Instagram page, approximately 80% of the football community voted in favor of it being a handball, suggesting that the goal would not have stood if the referees had spotted it in real-time. This incident has had a tangible impact on the outcome of the season.
Following the match, Anse Reunion’s staff and management team lodged a complaint regarding the refereeing decisions and their influence on the game. They believe that Johan Peter Bernice Gamatice should have received his second yellow card much earlier in the match, but was only sent off in the 95th minute. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, and it will be intriguing to see how it unfolds.
Anse Reunion FC filed a complaint and requested an urgent match review from the Football Federation after the game.
Saint Louis Starting XI:
- #1 Lalain’arinjaka Michel
- #11 Gervais Trevor Rembert WayeHive
- #4 Justin Clievy Stephen Riaze
- #5 Dean Stephane Hughe Mothe
- #6 Johan Peter Bernice Gamatice
- #7 Darrel Damoo
- #8 Lorenzo Adrien Hoareau
- #9 Toky Nantenaina Mickael Jonathan Rakotondrasoa
- #13 Charles Rakoto
- #14 Juninho Mark Genaro Mathiot
- #18 Tahiry Andriamandimby
Substitutes:
- #10 Darian Hoareau
- #12 Stephane Augustin Ladouce
- #15 Keren Barrett Sinon
- #19 Ahmed Maurice
- #21 Damien Nathan Lablache
- #22 Majid Freminot
- #26 Harim Radegonde
Anse Reunion Starting XI:
- #26 Ricky Rose
- #30 Stenio Ernesta
- #4 Jean-Claude Marobe
- #7 Warren Bibi
- #10 Saverio Safino Tsiahoua
- #11 Iavotriniaina Razafidratsimba
- #12 Jean-Yves Choisy
- #18 Veron Rose
- #20 Nardo Nomenjanahary Ramanantoanina
- #21 Rohan Misael Edmond Durup
- #23 Faneva Rabemananjara Faniry Tiavina
Substitutes:
- #1 Julio Stephan Mickey Radegonde
- #2 Hemshi Tuhobul
- #6 Jules Constance
- #8 Yoel Vince Waye-hive
- #13 Julius Rose
- #19 Elton Achille Stephen Ernesta
- #24Â Geoff Tobia Antoine WayeHive
