Victoria — Foresters claimed the 2025-26 Absa Premier League championship on Friday evening with a 3-1 victory over PTL Bazar Brothers at Stad Linite, sealing the title with one match still remaining. The result confirmed mathematically what had seemed increasingly inevitable: Foresters’ relentless winning mentality proved the difference.
In 17 matches, Foresters collected 39 points from 13 victories and only four defeats, remarkably finishing the campaign without a single draw. That statistic alone reveals the fearless approach that drove their title charge. Their attacking output led the division with 38 goals at an average of more than two per match, while defensively they conceded only 18 goals. The resulting +20 goal difference was comfortably the strongest in the league.
Friday’s match remained competitive through the first half. Foresters took the lead in the 47th minute when PTL Bazar Brothers defender Fabien Ravelomanantsoa inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. PTL Bazar Brothers responded immediately, with Juninho Mathiot equalizing in the 58th minute to ensure the title race remained alive.
At that point, pressure was immense. PTL Bazar Brothers had shown throughout the season they were difficult to break down and capable of competing with anyone. But champions are often defined by how they respond in critical situations. Kazeem Adeyeri restored the lead in the 71st minute. As PTL Bazar Brothers pushed forward searching for another equalizer, spaces appeared defensively. Deep into stoppage time, Fihobiana Ralaimoria sealed victory with a third goal in the 90+2 minutes, sparking celebrations that confirmed Foresters as champions of Seychelles football.
While Foresters deservedly claimed the title, PTL Bazar Brothers can reflect on an impressive campaign that established them as one of the league’s strongest and most consistent sides. Their record of nine wins, five draws and only three defeats demonstrated remarkable competitiveness. They actually lost fewer matches than Foresters across the season. They produced strong numbers at both ends, scoring 34 goals while conceding just 19. Their +15 goal difference highlighted the balance within the side.
Ultimately, though, the five draws proved decisive. In a title race where Foresters relentlessly converted opportunities into victories, PTL Bazar Brothers too often settled for single points in matches that required a more ruthless edge. Had two or three of those draws become wins, the championship battle may have looked very different heading into the final weeks.
Their defeat to Foresters symbolized the fine margins that separated the two sides. PTL Bazar Brothers competed strongly for long periods and showed resilience after falling behind, but when the contest entered its decisive stage, Foresters displayed greater composure and efficiency. That ability to seize key moments became the defining difference between champions and challengers.
In their final league fixtures, Foresters will take on Côte d’Or, while PTL Bazar Brothers face newcomers Bel Air.
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