St Michel Stuns Anse Reunion as Title Race Tightens in Absa Premier League
VICTORIA, Seychelles — A dramatic weekend of Seychelles Football Federation Absa Premier League action saw St Michel produce a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Anse Reunion 4-2 at Stad Linite, while leaders Foresters failed to extend their advantage at the top of the table and second-placed Côte d’Or were also beaten 1-0 by St Louis at Stad Amiité, leaving the title race tighter than it has been in weeks with Bel Air closing to within a single point of the top two. The results represent a significant shift in the landscape of the Premier League with the season entering its critical phase.
The title race matters deeply for football fans across Seychelles as several clubs remain in genuine contention, while the bottom of the table is equally competitive with St Michel, St Louis, and Revengers all fighting to avoid the dreaded relegation playoffs. The weekend’s results added urgency to the battles at both ends of the table, with every remaining fixture carrying enormous significance for clubs across the standings.
St Michel’s remarkable comeback against Anse Reunion was the standout result of the round. Trailing 1-0 at half-time after Aristide Harison’s 39th-minute opener, coach Alex Niborette’s side were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute and Elie Sopha converted to level the scores, igniting an extraordinary surge from the home side. Raj Anacaura made it 2-1 in the 67th minute before Hubert Jean added a third in the 77th minute, and Kenneddy Mamonjisoa completed a four-goal second-half haul in the 81st minute, with Anse Reunion’s Ryan Henriette adding a consolation in stoppage time to make the final score 4-2. Despite the win, St Michel remain second from bottom with 14 points after 14 matches, while Anse Reunion stay fifth on 21 points.
At Stad Amiité, St Louis secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Côte d’Or through Andrianjato Ramaroson’s 38th-minute goal, a result that lifts them from eighth to seventh position with 16 points while inflicting a damaging defeat on the Praslin-based side, who remain on 26 points but missed the opportunity to close the gap on Foresters. Meanwhile, PTL Bazar Brothers defeated Light Stars 2-1 at Stad Linite, with Jean Rakotonirina scoring twice in the 21st and 30th minutes before Carlos Randrianantenaina pulled one back for Light Stars in the 84th minute. PTL Bazar Brothers remain in third place on 26 points, level with Côte d’Or.
Bel Air also had a positive weekend, defeating struggling Revengers 4-1 in a match played on Friday at Stad Amiité. Edward Bastienne opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and although Revengers equalised early in the second half, Bel Air regained the lead in the 56th minute through Bastienne’s second goal of the match before Fadhula Botomanga and substitute Davyann Hoareau added further goals in the 89th and 92nd minutes to complete a comprehensive victory. The result leaves Revengers at the bottom with just four points from 14 matches, while Bel Air move up to fourth with 25 points, just one behind the joint second-placed duo.
The Absa Premier League title race now features four clubs separated by just two points at the top, with Foresters leading on 27 points, followed by Côte d’Or and PTL Bazar Brothers on 26, and Bel Air on 25, setting up what promises to be a compelling conclusion to the season.
