Victoria City Edge Bel Ombre FC 2-1 At Stade Linite

Victoria City secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bel Ombre FC in a league away match at Stade Linite on 21 January 2026, kick-off at 6:30pm. The contest, refereed by Emile James, saw Victoria City come from behind to claim all three points in a tightly contested 90-minute encounter.

Victoria City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying a balanced structure designed to control midfield and provide attacking support from wide and central areas. The back four consisted of a right defender, two central defenders, and a left defender, tasked with maintaining defensive solidity and providing width when possible. In front of them, two central midfielders were expected to shield the defence and dictate the tempo. The three attacking midfielders operated with a right, central, and left orientation, aiming to link play and supply the lone striker leading the line. This formation allowed for fluid transitions between defence and attack, with the attacking midfielders supporting the striker and exploiting spaces behind the opposition’s defence.

The starting eleven featured the goalkeeper in goal, right and left defenders on their respective flanks, and two central defenders anchoring the backline. The central midfield duo took up positions just ahead of the defence, while the right, central, and left attacking midfielders provided creativity and width. The striker was the focal point of Victoria City’s offensive efforts. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The match began with Bel Ombre FC showing early intent, pressing Victoria City high and creating the first clear chance. Their persistence paid off as they opened the scoring before the half-hour mark, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Victoria City responded by tightening their shape and increasing their tempo, with the central midfielders beginning to assert control and the attacking midfielders probing for openings.

As the first half progressed, Victoria City’s right attacking midfielder and left attacking midfielder combined well, stretching the Bel Ombre defence and creating opportunities for the striker. Despite their efforts, the half ended with Bel Ombre FC holding a slender 1-0 lead at the interval.

The second half saw Victoria City emerge with renewed vigour. The central midfielders orchestrated play more effectively, allowing the attacking midfielders to find pockets of space. The equaliser came midway through the half, a well-worked move involving the left attacking midfielder delivering a precise pass to the striker, who finished clinically to level the scores.

Bel Ombre FC sought to regain the lead, but Victoria City’s defence remained resolute, with the central defenders and full-backs repelling several threatening attacks. The decisive moment arrived late in the game when the central attacking midfielder found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper, putting Victoria City ahead 2-1.

In the closing stages, Victoria City managed the game intelligently, maintaining possession and frustrating Bel Ombre’s attempts to force an equaliser. The referee, Emile James, allowed a few minutes of added time, but Victoria City held firm to secure a vital away victory.

Fabrice Rakotonjanahary was named player of the match for his influential performance, particularly in midfield where his vision and work rate helped turn the tide in Victoria City’s favour. His contribution was instrumental in both the build-up to the equaliser and the winning goal.

Victoria City’s 4-2-3-1 formation proved effective in balancing defensive duties with attacking impetus, enabling them to overcome an early deficit and claim a valuable three points on the road. The victory at Stade Linite will boost their confidence as the league campaign progresses.