Vieux Fort South endured pressure from a spirited young Marchand team in a thrilling, back-and-forth encounter on Wednesday night in Soufrière to secure a spot in the Blackheart semifinals.
With this victory, the Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League Tier 2 Champions and multi times Blackheart title holders will face rivals Anse La Raye as they continue their quest for glory.
Marchand took the lead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. After a well-timed through ball from midfield, a foul was committed by the Vieux Fort South goalkeeper, who was fortunate to escape without a caution from the match official. Nas Valcin stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home.
A response was needed from the men from the South, and it came from Jevic McFarlane in the 43rd minute.
Following a well-executed counterattack and sharp interplay between teammates, McFarlane placed the ball into the bottom right corner, leveling the score at 1-1 as the teams headed into the break.
In the second half, Vieux Fort South took a 2-1 lead after Saviola Elva clinically finished off a cross. However, the lead was short-lived, as Niyal Fontenelle equalised after a brilliant display of skill by Kyle Jn Baptiste on the left wing.
With the teams still deadlocked at the end of regulation time, penalties were required to determine the winner. Vieux Fort South emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline in the shootout, securing a nail-biting win for the local football giants.
The six-time Blackheart champions will now face the threat of two-time champions Anse La Raye, at the same venue on Friday.
Fans and facilitators of the team will hope that the team will continue their rise back to prominence with a victory in the penultimate match day of the competition.
Happy for Vieux Fort. We need this