Vieux Fort South and La Clery will clash in the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League Tier 1 final following semifinal victories over Gros Islet and Canaries, respectively, on Saturday night. Both fixtures were played at Soufrière Stadium, where the winning teams showcased their prowess, overcoming tough battles to secure a chance at the ultimate prize.
Vieux Fort South vs Gros Islet
The men from the South began with balanced possession against their northern rivals. Gros Islet eventually took the lead after their opponents were penalised for a handball in the 18-yard box. Jahlil Evans converted from the spot in the 43rd minute to put Gros Islet ahead.
However, Vieux Fort South refused to go down easily. In the dying moments of first-half stoppage time, Moses Henry struck to pull them level. Moments later, Saviola Elva added another in the fifth minute of added time, giving Vieux Fort South a 2–1 lead at the break.
Gros Islet thought they had equalised in the 72nd minute, but the goal was ruled offside. Vieux Fort South then earned a penalty, which had to be retaken due to encroachment. Jevick MacFarlane emphatically converted the second attempt to extend the lead. Despite Darron Joseph receiving a second yellow card and being sent off, meaning he will miss the final, Vieux Fort South held firm to secure a 3–1 victory.
La Clery vs Canaries
In the second semifinal, defending champions La Clery struck first through Uhann Shaquille Degazon in the 27th minute. They doubled their advantage early in the second half when Mervin St. Romain scored in the 49th.
Canaries fought back, with Robert Regis finding the net in the 56th minute to keep his side in contention. The goal threatened to take the match down to the wire, but La Clery’s composure and professionalism under pressure saw them through as 2–1 winners.
The Final
The grand finale, scheduled for National Day on December 13, will feature the league’s two top teams from the group stage battling for glory. Vieux Fort South, last year’s Tier 2 champions, will face a La Clery side riding high after a dominant 2024 season, aiming to cap off another successful campaign.
