The match held immense importance for both teams, with Red Star DF fighting to avoid relegation to the Seychelles Championship and Foresters chasing the silver medal.
The first half witnessed a closely contested battle, with Red Star DF occasionally displaying their prowess. They created some promising opportunities, including a notable chance from a corner kick. James Jude Estico unleashed a powerful shot from close range, only to be denied by an exceptional save from Foresters’ goalkeeper, Dwayne Ally. The disbelief on Estico’s face was evident as Ally’s reflexes kept the ball out of the net.
The second half followed a familiar pattern seen throughout the season, as Foresters continued to create chances with remarkable consistency. The match’s outcome was effectively sealed when Warren Mellie found the back of the net with a well-executed header. Ryan Henriette provided the assist from a corner kick, further cementing Foresters’ dominance. Brandon Labrosse also contributed by assisting Henriette, showcasing Foresters’ formidable attacking prowess. Additionally, Kazeem Adeyeri, a substitute, made an impact by scoring a goal, bringing him within two goals of the league’s top scorers.
Looking ahead, Foresters will be competing in the SFF Cup on Praslin island against Anse Reunion next week, as they continue their pursuit of silverware. Meanwhile, Red Star DF’s Premier League survival now hinges on a miraculous turn of events. They must win the case raised against them by Northern Dynamo and secure victory in their final match. Additionally, their hopes rely on Northern Dynamo losing their remaining two games. The odds may be against them, but Red Star DF will cling to the possibility of avoiding relegation. It is regrettable that they did not have their current lineup from the start of the season, which might have altered their fortunes.
Foresters Starting XI:
#23 Dwayne Joshua Ally
#15 Jean Tigana
#3 Laurence Leon
#6 Warren Mellie
#7 Brandon Labrosse
#9 Ryan Henriette 86′
#11 Makhan Jean-Luc BristolCissoko 63′
#17 Brandon Molle
#18 Alex Jimmy Bijoux 63′
#20 Paul Briel Razafimanantsoa 86′
#22 Samuel Adrienne
Substitutes:
#12 Kazeem Adeyeri 63′
#13 Rahim Henry 86′
#14 Adrian Dario Hoareau 63′
#16 Gino Matthew Arcen Pleureuse
#19 Dwain William
#21 Stan Curtis Adrienne 86′
Red Star DF Starting XI:
#1 Jerome Fredy Dingwall
#13 Terry Lesperance
#2 Marchello Dufresne
#12 Roger Michel Nambinintsoa
#14 Martin Williams
#18 James Jude Estico
#22 Antonio Rosalie 53′
#24 Aubrey Cupidon 82′
#25 Tojonirina Randriananarivony
#26 Ernesto Doway
#28 Yves Charles Angelbert Zialor 70′
Substitutes:
#5 Marlon Sophola 53′
#9 Dyan Miguel Renaud 70′
#27 Raphael Moustache
#32 Kevin Francois 82′
