Football: Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Cup |24 August 2020

Double champions Foresters FC in jubilant mood

Foresters complete league and cup double

Mont Fleuri-based Foresters completed the league and cup double as they came from behind to beat Côte d’Or 4-2 at Stad Linite on Saturday afternoon.

It was an amazing end to the season for coach Harold Hoareau who now enters into the records book as one of the rare trainers to win both cups in one season and he richly deserves all the accolade he is receiving for his passion and commitment to the game.

The league champions were the better side from the start and should have taken the lead in the 19th minute as Elvin Estico released Ryan Henriette whose instinctive cross met Nigerian Kazeem Adeyeri who had drifted into the penalty area but he could not guide a clear chance to open the score.

In the 36th minute, Henriette showed good foot work to elude Jones Joubert to fire a left footer at goalie Neddy Lesperance but he was equal to the task.

Côte d’Or had a half chance in the 38th minute as Malagasy Charles Rakoto’s cross deflected to Perry Monnaie but he could not find the target as he blazed his shot over the crossbar.

Foresters gave away a sloppy goal on the stroke of half time as Kenner Nourrice got caught in possession by Monnaie and he raced clear to round defender Warren Mellie to tuck the ball past goalie Kitson Cecile to make it 1-0 at half time.

Foresters reshuffled their defence in the second period as Malagasy Leonard Besabotsy replaced Collyn Francourt as Nourrice slotted into right back and Besabotsy partnered Mellie in central defence.

The players’ of coach Hoareau levelled the score in the 57th minute as Côte d’Or captain Benoit Marie was robbed of the ball as he dilly dallied and Brandon Labrosse squeezed in to steal the ball to shoot past goalie Neddy Lesperance for a1-1 score

Côte d’Or though almost regained their lead a minute later as Malagasy Kassah skipped past defender Brandon Molle to fire at goalie Kitson Cecile who dived low to turn the ball into corner.

Foresters went ahead in the 70th minute as captain Jean Tigana threaded the ball to Adeyeri who adjusted himself to thump a rasping shot past goalie Lesperance from the penalty edge for a 2-1 advantage.

Referee Kerens Yocette gifted Côte d’Or a soft penalty in the 73rd minute as Collin Esther went down in a heap after a slight challenge by Estico and the official amazingly pointed to the spot much to the disgust of the Foresters camp as it appeared to be a clear dive by the Côte d’Or midfielder.

Malagasy Rakoto stepped up to send goalie Kitson Cecile the wrong way for a 2-2 score but Foresters regained their lead three minutes later as Labrosse floated a corner into the penalty area and Henriette thundered a powerful header via the crossbar into the net to make it 3-2.

In the 80th minute, Foresters sealed Côte d’Or’s fate as substitute Elijah Lespoir filtered the ball to Labrosse who flashed a cross into the Côte d’Or penalty box and Henriette was there to stab the ball home to complete his brace and a 4-2 victory to ensure they complete the double in a fantastic season for this team that has reached new heights and Sports NATION would like to congratulate coach Hoareau and his team for a very successful season.

The cups and medals were presented by chief executive of the SFF George Bibi and the principal secretary for Youth and Sports Fabian Palmyre.

What they said after the match:

Foresters coach Harold Hoareau: “We were the dominant side but conceded a goal late in the first half through an individual mistake but we did not let this affect us as we regrouped in the second period and raised our game to complete our comeback and I would like to congratulate my players for creating history this season.”

Côte D’Or manager Andre Bedier: “It was a balanced first half but we were poor in the second half as we lost our concentration especially in defence and it is very disappointing as it is not acceptable to concede four goals in one half in a match where we had prepared well and made a lot of sacrifices but we lost our way and were beaten by a more determined opponent.”

R.J-L