St Michel opened their Premier League Tournament 2025 campaign on Friday night against PTL Bazar Brothers, with fans eager to see the new-look squad in action after a busy transfer window.
The match began in dramatic fashion. Just one minute in, PTL took the lead from a long-range free-kick. It looked more like a cross than a direct shot, but the ball sailed into the net, leaving the St Michel goalkeeper helpless.
St Michel’s response came quickly. New signing Di Maria made his mark after only 11 minutes, scoring with a strong header from a set-piece to bring the game level. That goal lifted the home crowd, and the score remained 1-1 at half-time.
The second half started with energy, and in the 54th minute St Michel’s Tsounana rounded the keeper to score for 2-1, sending the stadium into celebration. However, PTL struck back almost immediately, finding an equaliser to make it 2-2. Moments later, PTL were reduced to ten men after a red card, and it seemed momentum was on St Michel’s side.
But PTL showed great resilience. Despite being a man down, they slowed the pace, frustrated their opponents, and waited for their chance. That chance came late, when a counter-attack led to a penalty. With just five minutes left, PTL scored from the spot to secure a 3-2 win.
It was a stunning result and a reminder that even with ten players, smart tactics and discipline can change the game.
