Rovers FC and Marine Maintenance battled to an entertaining 3-3 draw at Stad Linite on Wednesday afternoon. In a match filled with twists and turns, both teams showcased their attacking potential, delivering an exciting spectacle for the fans.
The first half saw Rovers FC dominate proceedings, asserting control over the game. They capitalized on their dominance with a 43rd-minute goal by Nick Labiche, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.
However, Marine Maintenance emerged from the break rejuvenated, displaying a different level of intensity. They quickly turned the tide, scoring three goals within 29 minutes. Clovis Raheriniaina Traiveur Hamza equalized in the 46th minute, followed by a brace from Fredo Rahelinadrasana in the 64th and 74th minutes, giving Marine Maintenance a 3-1 advantage.
Undeterred, Rovers FC fought back relentlessly, refusing to surrender. In the 82nd minute, Verron Harrison found the back of the net, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. Then, in the 86th minute, Shu’aib Ernesta delivered a crucial equalizer, salvaging a point for Rovers FC just before the final whistle.
Despite their spirited comeback, Rovers FC had a late goal disallowed due to offside during additional time. The decision appeared to be the correct one, as the replay confirmed the infringement.
Rovers FC’s young talent, Christiano Louis (18 years old), clinched his second consecutive Man of the Match award as a Left-Back, signaling Seychelles’ promising future in that position.
The draw leaves Rovers FC without a win in their last three matches, with a record of 0 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. They currently occupy the 6th position in the Seychelles Championship, trailing league leaders Real Maldive by 10 points. Marine Maintenance shares the same points tally and sits in 5th place.
Although both teams provided an entertaining spectacle with their goal-scoring exploits, Rovers FC will be disappointed with the draw. Their position, six points behind the 2nd spot that leads to playoff games for Premier League promotion, leaves the coaching staff longing for a more positive outcome, especially considering their first-half dominance.
Rovers FC Starting XI:
1 Rohan Orphe
20 Norvil Ronny Gaspard
5 Curtis Travis Jerisse Bellard
7 Joshua Clarisse
8 Lucas Panayi
9 Shu’aib Ernesta
14 Verron Anil Jefferson Harrison
22 Christiano Louis
23 Remy De ketelaere
25 Musa Njie
30 Nick France Labiche
Substitutes:
11 Mulenga Songwe
15 Sebastien Larue
18 Damien Laporte
24 Kevin Joubert
29 Dwayne Chad Dodo
31 Adrian Andrew Clarisse
32 Stephano Bibi
Marine Maintenance Starting XI:
1 Felino Razalo
21 Ivan Saunders
2 Darren Khanny
7 Ruben Jahard Jeremie Moncherry
8 Clovis Raheriniaina Traiveur Hamza
9 Adriano Montagna
10 Fredo Rahelinadrasana
14 Days Biandray
15 Frudalien Falimarilida
18 Marcus Camille
19 Stephane Elizabeth
Substitutes:
5 Stephen Michel
6 Frederick Renaud
11 Jean-Yves Lagrenade
16 Jared Phares Bristol
23 Johny William
28 Yannick Hisham Dario Dubignon
