Football: Airtel Cup-La Passe claim SMB’s scalp |09 March 2007

Under the leadership of former Mauritius national team coach France L’Aiguille, La Passe had to work hard for this victory and they tried to bring the game to SMB.

In the 15th minute, veteran Malagasy captain Bruno Saindini threaded a pass to new Malagasy striker Jean Rakotonirina who rounded the out-rushing goalie Joel Lesperance near the bye-line but his cross was cleared into corner.

Four minutes later, Malagasy Rakotonirina set the ball rolling as his thumping header from former SMB player Brian Dorby’s cross flew into the net for a 1-0 lead.

SMB though bounced back a minute later as Colin Laporte fed Stephen Léon who, in turn, released Che Dorasamy who beat goalkeeper Kitson Cécile at the near to level matters.

La Passe still created many opportunities with their free-flowing football and in the 25th minute, Rakotonirina broke quickly to set up captain Saindini who shot weakly in a good scoring position.

In the 35th minute, Melvin Uranie almost scored a spectacular goal with a speculative curler which dropped on the roof of the net as goalie Lesperance back-pedalled to cover his goal-line.

On the stroke of half-time, La Passe rode their luck as Rhuddy Niole was very lucky not to be sent off. Niole, who had earlier been booked for a foul on Dorasamy, lunged at Léon from behind with a two-footed tackle, but referee Jourdan Benstrong only gave him a stern warning.

La Passe looked more determined in the second period and should have regained the lead in the 53rd minute as young Michel Souris picked out Malagasy Eric Rajaobery whose teasing cross opened up SMB’s defence and the ball fell to Fabien Cadeau who failed to control it.

Three minutes later, SMB stunned La Passe as Laporte battled for the ball on the bye-line and his inch-perfect cross was headed home by Dorasamy to make it 2-1.

La Passe regained their composure as the match became more physical with some crude tackles. The La Digue-based team drew level in the 72nd minute as captain Saindini powered into the penalty area to centre to Rajaobery whose shot was deflected by SMB’s Joel Esther past his own goalkeeper who was wrong footed.
La Passe were now in top gear and five minutes later Rajaobery weaved his way into SMB’s penalty area and played the ball back to Corentino Bibi who blasted it into the roof of the net for La Passe’s winning goal.

SMB then made a couple of substitutions to try and salvage a point and in the 86th minute, there were shouts for a penalty as Laporte’s shot came off a La Passe player’s hand but referee Benstrong was not convinced. In the mêlée that ensued, Ahmed Adrienne volleyed a gilt-edged chance over La Passe’s cross-bar.

La Passe should have buried SMB in the 89th minute following a counter-attack ignited by Corentino Bibi’s back-heel to Rakotonirina who sliced open the SMB defence with a pass but Cadeau shot wide with only goalie Lesperance to beat.

Coach L’Aiguille was pleased at the end with his team’s combative spirit, especially after they had trailed in the second half, but he should have cause for concern with the number of bookings – four – his team collected in a very entertaining though at times too physical match.

R. J-L.