Football:  HOLLYWOODBETS Cosafa Cup 2023   |13 July 2023

Action from the Seychelles v Zambia match (Photo: Cosafa)

Seychelles finish as tailenders in group B

Three defeats out of three matches played, and finishing at the bottom of group B is the final conclusion of the Seychelles football national selection at the ongoing Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Cup in South Africa.

In their third and last group match on Tuesday, Seychelles lost 2-4 to defending champions Zambia at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.

Albert Kangwanda opened the scoring for Zambia in the 11th minute before second half goals from Killian Kanguluma, Golden Mashata and Frederick Mulambia sealed all three points.

Compared to their previous two matches, Seychelles, however, managed to score two goals against the Chipolopolo, firstly through Brandon Labrosse in the 81st minute, before Warren Mellie reduced Zambia’s lead to 4-2 with a penalty in the 90th minute.

In the other match played in the group, the Flames of Malawi completed their perfect run in the group stage, defeating the Comoros 2-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, confirming their qualification to the semifinals.

In their first match, Seychelles lost 0-3 to the Comoros, with goals from Affane Saïd Djambae (27th minute), Ibroihim Djoudja (39th minute) and Raïdou Boina Bacar (58th minute).

In their second game on Sunday, they lost 0-2 to Malawi through second-half goals from Lanjesi Nkhoma and Christopher Kumwembe.

The exit means Seychelles are yet to make it beyond the group stage of the competition, with the closest being the year they registered a 7-0 victory over Mauritius, which until today, according to Cosafa records, remains the largest victory by a team in that competition.

The Seychelles delegation at the competition

Players: Lesperance Jean-Paul, Alvin Michel, Romeo Padayachy (goalkeepers); Darrel Damoo, Daryl Louis, Julio Brown, Don Fanchette, Warren Mellie, Kenner Nourice, Juninho Mathiot, Ramlee Pascal (defenders); Dean Mothé, Jean Yves Ernesta, Carl Hopprich, Brandon Labrosse, Neil Confiance, Thiery Camille, Dean Balette, Gerick Vidot (midfielders); Josip Ravignia, Ryan Henriette, Hubert Jean (strikers).

Officials: Philip Sinon (head of delegation); Michael Delpech (team manager); Vivian Both (head coach); Bruno Saindina (assistant coach); Jules Gonthier (assistant coach); Andrew Michel (medical officer); Kenneth Henriette (team doctor).

Compiled by Roland Duval