Football: Land Marine Cup 2004-Red Star accomplish mission |22 November 2004

The victory was indeed sweet for Red Star who got the chance to renew with success after not winning any competition for the past two years.

"I am a happy man. The team badly needed to win a piece of silverware for the first time in two years. I can also say that my future with Red Star is now certain and I look forward for next season," said a vibrant coach Mosa after the match.

Red Star, who in the semifinal eliminated Praslin team Light Stars 2-1, played some good attacking football early on and nullified Anse Réunion in midfield, especially through diminutive Malagasy Taly who missed their last match with a leg injury.

Captain Percy Laramé's Red Star nearly took the lead five minutes into the match but the usually reliable Wilnes Brutus, who was awarded this year's best footballer trophy during half-time, fired across the face of goal a René-Yves Raonizory through ball.

The same Brutus, who had been Red Star's inspiration with his intelligent play throughout the whole tournament, was again presented with a glorious opportunity in the 15th minute but his attempted volley was cancelled out by a Anse Réunion defender.

Anse Réunion surged forward in the 22nd minute with industrious Roderick Rose releasing dreadlocked Andy Ernesta on the right flank and he, in turn, played a deep cross to striker Yelvanny Rose.

The lanky striker, who was instrumental in his team's 2-0 win over neighbours La Passe in the semis, outjumped Red Star's defence to head the ball past goalie Andrew Valentin but to his disbelief his effort was cleared off the line by Red Star's defensive midfielder Brian Ravinia.

Anse Réunion wasted another chance three minutes later as Bernard Rose shot wide a Yelvanny Rose assist.

Sensing danger, Red Star upped the tempo and pressed forward. The boys of coach Mosa missed two chances before the break through Vincent Volcère and Raonizory as Anse Réunion seemed to run out of steam.

Red Star suffered a hard blow in the 56th minute when they lost defender Nigel Freminot who had to be transported to the Victoria Hospital after a clash in mid-air with his own goalkeeper and Yelvanny Rose.

The incident failed to dampen Red Star's fighting spirit as they kept pressing hard on the accelerator. Their tireless efforts paid off in the 61st minute when Volcère was brought down by Anse Réunion's defender Etienne Fanchette inside the penalty area. Referee Gonzague Boniface, who was close to the action, did not hesitate to award Red Star a penalty.

Spot kick specialist Ted Radegonde stepped up to wrong-foot Anse Réunion's goalkeeper and captain Ricky Rose and send the Red Star supporters crazy.

The goal inspired Red Star to go forward and four minutes later, Wilnes Brutus' shot was blocked by goalie Ricky Rose.

Anse Réunion responded in the 74th minute but Roderick Rose's long range effort was easily dealt with by keeper Valentin.

Yelvanny Rose was presented with Anse Réunion's last chance two minutes from time but he failed to chip home the equaliser.

Saomady Hafany, Anse Réunion's trainer, had this to say after the match:
"Red Star were more motivated and played better than us. They deserved to win. In the second period, we enjoyed more possession, but we were not lethal in front of goal."
As for Red Star's hero Ted Radegonde, he said: "I am happy to have scored the wining goal to guide Red Star to winning their first title in two years."

Red Star's captain Laramé collected the winners' trophy from the hands of President Michel, who is also the Patron of Seychelles football. Minister Pool and Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) boss Suketu Patel distributed the trophies.

C. J.