Rodrigues Roche Bon Dieu S 3 vs 3 Rising SC

Rodrigues Roche Bon Dieu Saint Etienne Sporting Club faced Rising SC in the semi finale of the Republic Cup at Jean Daniel Andre Stadium on 28 February 2026, kicking off at 6:00pm. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw after 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time, with both sides exchanging blows in a pulsating encounter.

Saint Etienne lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Sylvestre Collet in goal. The defensive line consisted of Isaac Brandy Clair at right back, Emmanuel Larose and Jean Steven Etienne as central defenders, and Gilbert Manuel on the left. Jean Jordenley Jolicoeur operated as the lone holding midfielder, shielding the back four. Ahead of him, Joseph Stephenson Begue took up the right attacking midfield role, while Joseph Olivier Prudence occupied the left attacking midfield position. The front three featured Marc Yohan Junior Francon Edouard on the right wing, Jean David Catherine as the central striker, and Nigel Philippe on the left wing. The substitutes available were Jean Daryl Gaspard, Luc Brady Andre, Jean Jeremi Marinio Castel, and Paul Julien Ravina.

This 4-1-2-3 setup was designed to provide defensive solidity through Jolicoeur’s screening role, while allowing width and attacking impetus from the wide forwards and attacking midfielders. The full-backs Brandy Clair and Manuel were expected to support both defence and attack, with the central defenders Larose and Etienne tasked with maintaining a strong defensive core.

The match began with Rising SC taking the lead in the 25th minute, their forward firing a right-footed strike past Collet to put the visitors ahead. Despite this early setback, Saint Etienne remained composed and looked to build from the back.

The first half concluded with Rising SC holding a narrow advantage at 1-0. Immediately after the break, Gilbert Manuel received a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 47th minute, signalling a physical and intense second half to come.

Shortly after, a tactical substitution saw Jean Daryl Gaspard replace Emmanuel Larose in the 49th minute. Saint Etienne shifted to a 3-5-2 formation.

Saint Etienne responded emphatically in the 54th minute when Nigel Philippe delivered a precise cross to Jean David Catherine, who rose highest to head the ball into the net, levelling the score at 1-1. This goal showcased the effectiveness of their attacking trio and the wide players’ ability to create chances.

The match continued to be fiercely contested, with Isaac Brandy Clair also receiving a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 71st minute, reflecting the physical nature of the encounter.

In the 80th minute, Jean Daryl Gaspard made a significant impact by scoring a solo goal after receiving a long pass from Gilbert Manuel, slotting it home with his right foot. This goal put Saint Etienne ahead 2-1 and highlighted Gaspard’s influence since coming on. However, Nigel Philippe was booked for an unspecified reason at the same time, adding to the disciplinary issues on the home side.

Rising SC were not to be denied and equalised from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, their right-footed penalty restoring parity at 2-2. Immediately following this, Joseph Olivier Prudence was forced off injured, with Luc Brady Andre coming on as his replacement.

The drama escalated in stoppage time as Rising SC scored a solo goal in the 92nd minute, once again with their right foot, taking the lead 3-2. Saint Etienne responded by making another substitution in the 100th minute, with Jean Jeremi Marinio Castel replacing the injured Nigel Philippe.

As extra time unfolded, Jean Daryl Gaspard continued to shine, scoring his second goal of the match in the 115th minute. Assisted by a long pass from Isaac Brandy Clair, Gaspard finished with his right foot, bringing the score to 3-3 and keeping Saint Etienne’s hopes alive.

In the 117th minute, a tactical substitution saw Paul Julien Ravina replace goalkeeper Sylvestre Collet, a rare move likely aimed at altering the dynamic in the closing stages.

Despite the flurry of goals and substitutions, neither side could find a winner before the final whistle, resulting in a 3-3 draw after extra time. Jean Daryl Gaspard was deservedly named player of the match for his crucial contributions, including two vital goals and a commanding presence after coming off the bench.

This enthralling cup tie at Jean Daniel Andre Stadium showcased the resilience and attacking prowess of Rodrigues Roche Bon Dieu Saint Etienne Sporting Club, matched by the determination and clinical finishing of Rising SC in a contest that will be remembered for its drama and intensity.