Stella win Côte d’Ivoire Cup
Espérance player Khalil Chemmam and Aymen Belaïd of Etoile du Sahel in Radès
The Magnans dominated from the start and saw their efforts rewarded just after the quarter-hour mark as Karamoko Bouake broke through to see his cross struck by Diomande Aboubacar Me in the back of Sewe's net (1-0, 18th).
The Magnans were heading towards a third Côte d’Ivoire Cup trophy, following those of 1974 and 1975, and Tanoh Alain Jacques and his team mates had no intention of letting it go, as they reached the break with this small but very important advantage.
As they headed back from the locker rooms, the Green and Whites of Adjamé thought they could extend their lead, but the Burkina Faso referee closed his eyes to a rather flagrant penalty.
Stella were not however prepared to abdicate, despite pressure applied constantly by Séwé. But with Zougoula Kevin, Ocansey Mandela and Koffi Foba Stevens silenced, the Portuaires had to revert to long range shots which did little to trouble the Magnans keeper, Aifimi Adelbola Christophe, who appeared very at ease. Strong between the posts, he denied all attempts from the opponents.
With time running out, San-Pedro’s Cameroonian technician, Njoya Mesack threw in his last resources by bringing in Sangaré Alassane, Goua Marc and Assalé Roger.
But the Cup seemed to have chosen its side and Stella’s victory at the end of regulation time was logical, as they bagged their third Côte d’Ivoire Cup trophy after five failed finals.
As for Séwé Sports de San-Pedro, this was certainly a case of “Bad luck comes in threes”. And after the failures of 1999 and 2005 against ASEC Mimosas, the Portuaires fell for the third time.
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