Football: Division one league - Waye-Hive saves St Louis |23 April 2018
Seychelles international winger Gervais Waye-Hive scored on the hour to give reigning champions St Louis a 1-0 win over Anse Reunion in a sluggish first division league match on Saturday at Stad Linite.
After the kickoff by Anse Reunion, both teams went into the game fighting for possession, but there was very little noteworthy attacks on goal.
St Louis’ Tahiry Andriamandimby had the first opportunity, but his 6th minute shot came off Anse Reunion defender Don Fanchette.
Anse Reunion had little to no chances in the first half, as their only real opportunity was when Randy Emile hit the ball wide in the 11th minute.
St Louis’ only other chance came after Gervais Waye-Hive’s cross was met by Roddy Melanie’s header that flew over the crossbar half way through the first half.
After this disappointing showing, the two teams went for the breather on a goalless score.
In the second half, Waye-Hive sent a header wide in the 57th minute and Anse Reunion captain Yelvanny Rose also sent his off target from a Dieter Constance corner.
The only goal of the game came in the 60th minute after Anse Reunion gave away a free kick. Waye-Hive stepped up to take aim and he curved the ball past Anse Reunion goalkeeper Rehad Payet who was glued to his spot to make it 1-0.
The goal liberated the St Louis team as Collin Bibi had a good chance to extend their lead, but his shot went flying wide of the post.
Anse Reunion had a few chances to equalise but their efforts were off target. Their real chance to pull level came in added time when Eddy Ranjoriamihaja received a cross, but once again he squandered the opportunity as St Louis picked up three more points.
Although her team lost, Anse Reunion coach Elsie Ernesta said her players were determined.
“My players gave all that they could, but it was just bad luck as they missed too many opportunities. As St Louis did not play their usual game, we should have capitalised on their off form. I also feel we should have been awarded a penalty late in the game, but we could not get the equaliser and lost,” said coach Ernesta.
As for St Louis coach Michel Renaud, he said his team’s performance was below standard.
“Based on the work we did throughout the week, the players had a bit of difficulties to adjust to the tactics. Anse Reunion played well in defence, but in the end we came out with three points and we’re satisfied,” said coach Renaud.
With the win, St Louis have moved up to second spot on the table with 14 points, one point less than first-placed Red Star Defence Forces. St Louis will be in action once more on Wednesday against Northern Dynamo at Stad Linite.
Rodney Rose