South Castries took a significant step towards becoming the inaugural champions of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League Super League, following their victory over Anse La Raye in Qualifier One on Saturday, October 19 at the Dennery Playing Field.
This win secured their spot in the final and earned them automatic promotion to the First Division or Premier League for next season, adding another highlight to what has been a fairytale season.
The opening goal came from a set piece—a direct strike from a corner by South Castries. In the 12th minute, Kennedy Wiley’s finish completely outfoxed the Anse La Raye goalkeeper, giving his team an early lead. This would be the only goal of the first half.
After the break, South Castries doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Kaylan Henry won a penalty, which was confidently converted by Rashaad Eugene.
Trailing by two goals, Anse La Raye needed a response, and it came in the 70th minute through Christian Cadette. However, the goal was contentious, having initially been ruled offside by the linesman.
South Castries striker Claudelle Yarde restored the team’s two-goal cushion with an 80th-minute strike that slipped past the Anse La Raye goalkeeper. The margin didn’t last long, though, as Jsaden Ezekiel scored a header for Anse La Raye, making it 3-2.
In the final moments, Anse La Raye had a golden opportunity to equalize with a potential tap-in, but the chance went begging, sealing their defeat.
Manager for South Castries, Tennaly Joseph indicated that this victory was the “biggest ever” in the history of his district league. He commended his coaching staff for the game-changing substitutions which saw the team through.
Following this victory South Castries will play in the October 26 final at the Dennery Playing Field. Anse La Raye will need to regroup as they prepare for Vieux Fort South, in the second Qualifier on Wednesday.