VICTORIA, Seychelles — The SFF League One title race has been blown wide open after a pivotal round of fixtures saw both joint leaders drop points, with Muccia falling 0-1 to Mavericks and Baie Lazare suffering a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Au Cap, leaving all four top teams separated by just seven points with several matches remaining. Baie Lazare and Muccia remain level on 22 points from 10 games, with Baie Lazare retaining first place on goal difference, their superior +36 edging out Muccia’s +28.
For Seychellois football fans, the twist at the top of the table signals that this season’s championship will be decided in the closing weeks rather than being settled early, making each remaining fixture a must-watch occasion. The emergence of Mavericks as genuine contenders adds a third dimension to what had previously appeared to be a two-horse race, and with West Boys United also lurking in fourth place on 19 points, four clubs can realistically harbour title aspirations.
Muccia were the first of the leaders to falter, going down 0-1 to Mavericks thanks to a 78th-minute goal from Santatra Nomenjanahary. When news of Muccia’s setback spread, Baie Lazare had the opportunity to seize sole control of the table, but they too stumbled. At Stad Popiler, Baie Lazare took an early lead through Zinola François’ penalty in the 20th minute, only for Trevor Benoiton to equalise for Au Cap in the 43rd minute. A late winner from Samuel Zialor in the 86th minute condemned Baie Lazare to a 2-1 defeat, ensuring neither leader could capitalise on the other’s misfortune. Mavericks now sit third on 21 points from 10 matches, with a record of six wins, three draws, and one loss, boasting a league-best defensive record of nine goals conceded from 31 scored. West Boys United occupy fourth on 19 points with a goal difference of +27, having scored 34 and conceded only seven.
Baie Lazare have been the division’s most prolific side all season, netting 46 goals while conceding just 10, and Zinola François leads the individual scoring charts with an impressive 18 goals. Muccia have relied on Jean Oelino’s 15-goal contribution, while Mavericks’ Nomenjanahary, scorer of the decisive goal against Muccia, has accumulated 16 for the campaign. West Boys United’s Soloniaina Ratovonanahary has added 14. Au Cap’s 2-1 victory over Baie Lazare lifted them to fifth place on 15 points.
The results have fundamentally altered the championship picture. With several teams still holding matches in hand, the standings could shift significantly before the season reaches its climax. Mont Fleuri sit sixth on 13 points from eight matches and, with two games in hand, retain the ability to improve their standing with stronger performances in both attack and defence. At the bottom, Glacis have collected only four points from 10 games with a goal difference of -46, while St Louis Challengers remain pointless after nine straight defeats.
All eyes will be on the eagerly anticipated clash between Muccia and Baie Lazare scheduled for February 10, a direct confrontation between the joint leaders that promises to be the defining fixture of the SFF League One campaign.
📷 Image source: Seychelles Ministry of Social Affairs — socialaffairs.gov.sc
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