Mauritius 1:1 St. Kitts & Nevis
Hero Tri-nation International Football series: Mauritius only had
themselves to blame when several missed opportunities and a late conceded goal
led to their game against St. Kitts & Nevis ending in a 1-1 draw in the
second match of the Hero Tri-nation International Football series at the Mumbai
Football Arena tonight (August 22, 2017).
The pressure was more on
Mauritius to perform after having lost their opening encounter to India. And it
reflected as they showed attacking intent right from the word go. But the first
real scare came at the other end when keeper Cesarne spilled the ball in his
box but St. Kitts & Nevis couldn’t utilize the opportunity.
The opening goal came in the 19th minute when
Jean Sarah headed Balisson’s inch perfect cross right through the goalkeepers’
hands to take the lead. Mauritius could have doubled within minutes but their
attempt was saved from the goal line. Conceding seemed to have ignited the
Caribbean men. St. Kitts & Nevis asserted themselves in the midfield but
the equalizer eluded them with Mauritius holding on to their lead at half-time.
St. Kitts continued
applying the pressure in the 2nd half but Tiran Hanley only managed to head it
over the bar in the 47th minute. The attempt on their goal shook up the
Africans with Mauritius coming close to putting the game to bed. Jacelyne’s
shot was saved by the outstretched hand of Jeffers while Justin headed it over
the bar.
Tishan Hanley got a
golden opportunity but like his brother earlier he failed to put in the back of
the net. St. Kitts' search for a goal continued as Mauritius took advantage of
the open spaces to hit on the counter. Chiffone blasted it wide in the 79th minute
just before Sarah’s dipping shot was tipped over by Jeffers in the 84th minute.
Finally in the 87th
minute the elusive goal arrived as Kimaree Rogers put it past the rushing the
goalkeeper to bring things level. Rungassamy could have won the game for the
Mauritians late into added time but his attempt flew over as the game ended in
a draw.
India are scheduled to
lock their horns with St. Kitts & Nevis at the same venue on August 24,
2017 in the third match of Hero Tri-nation International Football series.
