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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Football: Airtel Cup-Red Star floor nine-man Anse Réunion |30 May 2005

Football: Airtel Cup-Red Star floor nine-man Anse Réunion

Wilnes Brutus (1st left) scored twice in Red Star’s extra-time win

Last Friday, Red Star came from behind to defeat nine-man Anse Réunion in extra-time in a highly controversial match.

The 3-1 score-line never reflected the match which Anse Réunion had contributed much to but were left bewildered with the officials for going blind with three minutes remaining in the second half of extra-time to allow Wilnes Brutus to round goalie Ricky Rose from a seemingly offside position to score Red Star’s second goal which sparked a wave of protest that almost culminated in the game being abandoned.

Friday’s match had started so well for Anse Réunion as they took the lead in the seventh minute through Firinga Fahidany.

With Armantal Ernesta orchestrating things for Anse Réunion, they managed to keep Red Star at bay though Bernard Rose’s 13th minute mistake let in Wilnes Brutus who shot narrowly wide.

On the half hour mark, Fahidany chased a long free-kick as Red Star’s defence remained static but he shot way off target.

In the 35th minute, Taly volleyed over the bar after Bernard Ste Ange and Nigel Freminot had combined to set him up.

Anse Réunion though still looked dangerous whenever they went forward and Congolese Dominique Kiyambu, who was playing in the centre of midfield, released Fahidany who turned past defender Desiré Ramsamymanana but his shot was disappointing.

On the stroke at half-time, Anse Réunion almost gave away a goal. Red Star’s captain Percy Laramé’s long ball was missed by the defence and skipper Simplice handled to stop Wilnes Brutus from latching on to a clear chance and was rightly booked by referee Gonzague Boniface.

The second half was a different proposition as Red Star came out with all guns blazing whilst Anse Réunion had to re-organise with Armantal Ernesta being replaced due to cramp.

Wilnes Brutus volleyed narrowly wide with just 42 seconds elapsed.

The boys of coach Mosa duly equalised in the 54th minute after a catastrophic error by goalie Ricky Rose who missed a clearance allowing the ball to roll to Jeffrey Brutus who in turn crossed to his younger brother Wilnes who shot into an empty net to level matters.

Red Star were rampant and three minutes later Wilnes blazed the ball over the bar with goalie Rose way off his line.

Anse Réunion could not get out of their half and just past the hour, Jeffrey Brutus should have done better from Radley Monthy’s pinpoint centre.

Two minutes later, goalie Rose struggled to handle a back header by captain Simplice.
As the game drew to a close, Red Star seemed to tire and in the 83rd minute controversy loomed as Anse Réunion claimed a penalty. Andy Ernesta’s cross seemed to hit a defender’s hand but referee Boniface was not convinced. Etienne Fanchette was booked for protesting and ultimately sent off for over-protesting.

The game went to extra-time and substitute Tony Morel shot weakly at goalie Rose before being substituted minutes later and he showed his disgust by throwing his jersey at the bench before going straight to the changing room.

The game turned on its head in the 117th minute as Taly threaded a pass to Wilnes Brutus who looked yards offside. But assistant referee Jossy Cedras’ flag stayed down and Brutus dribbled past goalie Rose to score with the Anse Réunion players and management furious. They raced to the assistant referee to protest against the goal.

When calm was restored, Anse Réunion restarted the match but gave away the ball which was quickly filtered to Monthy. Goalie Rose charged out of his area to perform a rugby style tackle on Monthy. Referee Boniface did not hesitate to send him off.

The Anse Réunion bench was again annoyed with the official and they even went onto the pitch. Substitute Pierre Fanchette made his grievance known to the official and was red-carded.

The game was held up for a while before order was restored and captain Simplice took over in goal but was helpless as Brian Ravinia’s curling free-kick crushed into the roof of the net for a 3-1 score-line.

Anse Réunion’s Malagasy coach Hafany Soamady was very upset with the officiating.
“I feel we did not deserve to lose the match. But I have noticed that whenever we play against Red Star or St Louis we are always hard done by officials,” said a bitter Soamady.

As for his colleague Mosa of Red Star, he was pleased with the end result.

“I am very satisfied with our performance and the result. Now I am looking forward to the final,” he said.

R. J-L.

 

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