Football: 2010 World Cup and CAN qualifiers-Pirates lose group nine opener |03 June 2008

According to Seychelles Football Federation chairman Suketu Patel, the Pirates conceded a late goal against the Burundi team.

The Pirates’ starting XI comprised goalkeeper Nelson Sopha (St Michel), defenders Nigel Freminot (St Michel), Neddy Rose, Godfrey Denis (St Michel), Harry Libanotis (Red Star), midfielders Don Anacoura, Alex Nibourette (St Michel), Denis Barbé (St Louis Suns), David Dorby (SMB), and strikers Philip Zialor and Nelson Laurence (St Michel).

The three players used as substitutes were Achilles Henriette (St Louis Suns), Steve Henriette (Northern Dynamo) and Michel Joubert (Fire Brigade). They came on for Nibourette, Libanotis and Laurence respectively.

Skipper Barbé, who was not supposed to make the trip, was included in the team on the day the squad left the country after being released from his professional duties.

The 25-member Pirates squad are expected back on Thursday and will play former Africa champions – the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia – in their second match this coming Saturday at Stad Linite.

Burkina Faso will play here on the weekend of June 13-15, before the Pirates travel to the West African country for the return match on the weekend of June 20-22.

After hosting Burundi on the weekend of September 5-7, the Pirates’ last fixture will be against Tunisia away during the weekend of October 10-12.

In the other group nine encounter played during the weekend, the Stallions of Burkina Faso stunned their hosts Tunisia 2-1.

Tunisia took the lead in the 38th minute with a goal from Tijani Belaid. But two goals in the last 10 minutes of the game – 81st and 87th minutes – from Issouf Kone gave the visiting Stallions and their Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte an unlikely win.

Burkina Faso will host Burundi this coming weekend.

G. G.