As the season approaches its conclusion, every point is vital. Several teams are battling to avoid relegation, and no club wants to finish ninth, which would mean playing a playoff against the Championship runner-up.
Before kickoff, there was surprise in the air as news broke that Renick Esther, the top scorer for Light Stars, and Jerron Joubert, named Intelvision Player of the Round two weeks ago, were not in the starting XI. Many fans speculated it was a tactic, expecting at least Esther to start. However, Coach Ted Esther made the strategic decision to begin with both players on the bench, a choice that ultimately paid off.
The match began with St. Michel applying pressure, as Light Stars struggled to advance past the halfway line for the first ten minutes. The home team hovered around the penalty area, but failed to present a genuine threat to goalkeeper Romeo Padayachy. However, the tide turned after 25 minutes, with Light Stars starting to assert their presence. They broke the deadlock in the 31st minute through Chris Uranie, who scored while St. Michel was temporarily down to ten men due to an injury to Rado.
At halftime, the score was 0-1, but the second half saw a rapid shift in momentum. Just seven minutes in, an own goal from Ramlee Pascal doubled Light Stars’ lead to 0-2. This goal seemed to galvanise Light Stars, as they continued to create chances. In the 61st minute, Nirina Angericot extended the lead to 0-3, but St. Michel responded quickly with a goal from Raj Anacoura just five minutes later, making it 1-3.
The match became increasingly exciting, with both teams trading chances. However, in the 82nd minute, Renick Esther came off the bench to seal the victory with a final goal, bringing the score to 1-4. Despite conceding four goals, Joshua Vangadasamy, the goalkeeper for St. Michel, had an impressive performance, making several crucial saves that kept his team in the game.
With this victory, Light Stars have put pressure on Cote d’Or and Anse Reunion, who are just a point or two ahead. Anse Reunion faces PTL Bazar Brothers, while Cote d’Or will play against the current champions, St. Louis. Light Stars will be hoping for at least one of these teams to drop points by the end of the week.
St. Michel Starting XI:
Joshua Vangadasamy
Julio Brown
Ian John Thomas Bonne (79′)
Radosariaka Francis Eddye Rakotoarisoa (38′)
Ramlee Pascal
Francis Rafaralahy
Jean-Yves Ernesta
Raphael Madeleine (59′)
Ron Barbe (59′)
Soloniaina Philemon Ratovonanahary (79′)
Elie Sopha
St. Michel Substitutes:
Aly Hassan (59′)
Raj Anacoura (38′)
Jaden Michael Humphrey Larue (79′)
Yannick Hubert Manoo (59′)
Raphael Jean
Rafaelo Cecile
Wallace Mondon (79′)
Light Stars Starting XI:
Romeo Padayachy
Albert Rose
Dino Chrysostome
Razafitsalama Jean Jules (88′)
Chris Uranie (61′)
Bertrand Esther
Danio Dean Francois
Nirina Angericot
Jean Elisco Nomenjanahary (85′)
Lenny Barbe (61′)
Rafizy Andre Todisoa
Light Stars Substitutes:
Fabio Lemiel
Shanon Stravens
Jerron Joubert (61′)
Renick Esther (61′)
Craig Antonio Cedras
Daren Damien Carlos Vidot (88′)
Christopher Bertrand Ron Onezime (85′)
Vince Fred (85′)8′)
14. Christopher Bertrand Ron Onezime (85′)
21. Vince Fred (85′)
