On 21 November 2024, Northern Dynamo faced St. Louis at Stad Linite. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the points after a competitive game. The first half finished goalless, but both sides had moments to shine.
St. Louis FC, the defending champions from last season, are currently experiencing a crisis. It is the first time in a long while that they have gone five matches without a win. Despite their past success, this streak has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. In contrast, Northern Dynamo entered this match still searching for their first points of the season. However, their recent performances have shown improvement, and they are beginning to demonstrate a stronger understanding of the game. This draw suggests they are slowly finding their rhythm.
In the first half, Northern Dynamo adopted a defensive stance, allowing St. Louis to have possession while looking to strike on the counter. They created good chances, notably one that was narrowly ruled offside. A few minutes later, they found the net, but the goal was disallowed for the same reason. The halftime score of 0-0 was concerning for St. Louis, as they appeared vulnerable and potentially on the verge of dropping points. The yellow card received by Nick Labiche also complicated matters, as Ryan Cupidon frequently overlapped and posed a threat on his flank.
The second half saw a shift in momentum when Lorenzo Hoareau scored a header just two minutes in, giving St. Louis a 1-0 lead. However, Northern dynamo responded quickly; in the 60th minute, Ryan Cupidon scored to equalise, making it 1-1. This goal came during a period when Dynamo was putting pressure on their opponents.
#6 Ryan Cupidon, captain of Northern Dynamo, fully deserved the Man of the Match award. His standout performance was capped by a crucial goal.
For the next 20 minutes, Northern Dynamo controlled the game, although St. Louis had more clear-cut chances. Lorenzo Hoareau missed several opportunities to secure a win. At one point, Liam, the Dynamo goalkeeper, was beaten, but a defender cleared the ball off the line.
As the match ended 1-1, celebrations erupted among the Northern Dynamo players and fans, marking a significant step forward in their campaign.
Northern Dynamo Starting XI:
#31 Liam Jonathan Esther
#6 Ryan Cupidon
#3 Nerry Rose
#7 Edward Bastienne
#9 Georges Angelito Kalo
#12 Naythan Wayne Barbe
#13 Sambatra Joelson Andriatahina
#14 Anil Dijoux
#17 Tolotra Andriatianna Rajomanana Rakotondrasoa
#19 Shakib Hafiz Rose
#22 Graham Faure
Substitutes:
#5 Tantely Manana Herizo Randrianarivo
#8 Daren Damien Carlos Vidot
#10 Marcus Maria
#11 Harim Evenor
#18 Stephen Dubel
#20 Erol Kurt Bastienne
#25 Marvin Marie
#28 Samuel Steven Michaud-Payet
#30 Christopher Legaie
St. Louis Starting XI:
#1 Lalain’arinjaka Michel Ramandimbisoa
#19 Ahmed Maurice
#3 Darrel Lesperance
#6 Johan Peter Bernice Gamatice
#7 Darrel Damoo
#8 Lorenzo Adrien Hoareau
#9 Toky Nantenaina Mickael
#13 Charles Rakoto
#17 Imra Raheriniaina
#18 Tahiry Andriamandimby
#30 Nick France Labiche
Substitutes:
#2 Danny Jean Madeleine
#10 Darian Hoareau
#23 Darren Colin Anaou
#26 Harim Radegonde
#27 Nathan Nicette
#29 Nael Mikael Dubois
