Real Maldive has not started the season as they had hoped. They quickly realised that every point will be vital in their quest for success. The pressure to perform is mounting, and they need to turn their form around.
Cote d’Or, on the other hand, continues to play in a similar manner to last season. Their strategy involves securing an early lead and then becoming defensively organised to protect that advantage. They capitalise on counter-attacks and set pieces when the opportunity arises. This approach is reminiscent of the tactics used by many successful coaches, including José Mourinho, who has relied on such strategies throughout his career.
The match took a decisive turn in the 21st minute when Elio Mboolatovo scored the first goal, putting Cote d’Or ahead 1-0. Just before half-time, in the 42nd minute, Stephan Morgan doubled the lead to 2-0 after a corner kick. There was some controversy surrounding this goal, as many felt it should have been disallowed due to a foul committed before the shot. A former referee, with years of experience, agreed that a foul occurred when the attacker pushed the defender. However, it was acknowledged that the referee and linesman likely could not see the incident from their positions, especially within the crowded penalty area.
In the second half, Real Maldive dominated possession, a pattern that often emerges when facing a team like Cote d’Or that tends to sit back after taking the lead. Despite their efforts, Real Maldive could only find the back of the net in the 96th minute, when Jocelyn Fenosoa scored. This late goal provided a glimmer of hope, but it was too late for a full comeback.
Adding to the drama, Stephan Morgan, the scorer of Cote d’Or‘s second goal, received a red card in the 87th minute.
This could have implications for future matches, as both teams look to solidify their positions in the league.
Real Maldive Starting XI:
1 Martrid Adrienne
21 Gerick Vidot
6 Xavier Randrainjafy
7 Jocelyn Fenosoa
10 Marlon Rose
11 Josip Ravignia
12 Warren Mellie
13 Terry Lesperance
16 Ivan Saunders
24 Jose Fabio Raharijaona
29 Christian Rakotoson
Substitutes:
3 Christopher Tamatave
4 Terence Crea
8 Silvio Adrienne
9 Christiano Devone Dain Essack
17 Darren Payet
19 Yannick Julie
22 Mario Thomas
26 Raphael Moustache
28 Raphael Commettant
Cote d’Or Starting XI:
1 Jean-Paul Jack Lesperance
24 Jonah Freedom Randriamisaina
3 Charif Said Antoine
4 Stephan Michael Morgan
7 Andrianjato Hasina Ramaroson
9 Ian Vel
10 Elio Alexis Mbolatovo
13 Archille Esther
14 Cliff Andrew Ian Cesar
19 Ervais Antoine Cesar
21 Heriniaina Norbertin Ravonasandratra
Substitutes:
2 Laurent Michel Lesperance
6 Benoit Stenio Steve Marie
8 Andy Pierre Brioche
12 Danio Valentin
15 Dave Rudolf Jean-Marc Brioche
16 Neddy Stephen Lesperance
17 Shakim Telemaque
20 Oliver Dugasse
23 Joel Vincent Esther
