On 6 September 2024, St. Louis hosted Real Maldive at Stad Linite in their opening match of the Premier League season. The defending champions started their campaign with a strong performance, securing a 5-2 victory. The half-time score was 4-1, setting the tone for an exciting match.
St. Louis came out strong, quickly establishing a two-goal lead by the 19th minute. Their attacking play was fluid and effective, making it clear they were determined to defend their title. However, Real Maldive responded with resilience. In the 26th minute, Jocelyn Fenosoa pulled one back for his team, scoring to make it 2-1 and giving hope to his teammates and fans. Despite this moment of joy for Real Maldive, St. Louis did not relent. They quickly regained control, adding two more goals before half-time, ending the first period with a commanding 4-1 lead.
The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Real Maldive attempting to take control of the match. Their pre-season preparation in Mauritius and the significant signing of Warren Mellie from Foresters FC on transfer deadline day hinted at their ambitions for the season. Mellie, who joined the team as one of the marquee signings, came on as a substitute in the first half and made a notable impact. He scored in the 72nd minute, giving Real Maldive a glimmer of hope at 5-2.
On St. Louis’s social media account, it was announced that Imra is the Man of the Match, having recently joined the team from their biggest rivals, St. Michel United.
While the scoreline was disappointing for Real Maldive, the match showcased their potential and ambition. St. Louis’s five goals, scored by Darrel Damoo (2), Nick Labiche, Gervais Waye-Hive, and Thane, highlighted their attacking prowess. Each goal was well-executed, reflecting the team’s quality and determination.
Overall, while St. Louis celebrated a convincing victory, Real Maldive showed promise, particularly with the performance of Mellie in his debut. The match served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the Premier League and set an exciting tone for the season ahead.
