Wanyama on target but Montreal fall short in Canadian Championship quarterfinal

Wanyama on target but Montreal fall short in Canadian Championship quarterfinal

Festus Chuma 09:00 - 23.05.2024

Victor Wanyama scored for CF Montreal, but it wasn't enough as they were eliminated from the Canadian Championship by Forge FC.

A goal by former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama was not enough to see CF Montreal through as they fell 2-1 to Forge FC in the Canadian Championship quarterfinal return leg on Friday. 

This result knocks Montreal out of the competition with Forge advancing 3-2 on aggregate. 

The match commenced with both teams understanding the stakes were high, but it was the visitors from the Canadian Premier League who seized early control. 

Forge, undeterred by the hostile environment at Stade Saputo, exhibited their intent from the outset. 

Daniel Parra's opening goal in the 14th minute set the tone, his strike from distance initially parried by Montréal’s goalkeeper Sebastian Breza but unfortunately deflected into the net.

Forge doubled their lead swiftly, leveraging their momentum in the 24th minute. 

Malcolm Duncan’s precise long ball found Kwasi Poku, who expertly managed to fend off his marker and lobbed the ball over an onrushing Breza, intensifying Forge's grip on the tie.

The atmosphere at the stadium shifted dramatically at halftime when a severe weather delay paused the match.

 Lightning and torrential rain led to a near two-hour stoppage, adding an unexpected twist to the evening’s proceedings. 

Upon resumption, CF Montréal, spurred by a sense of urgency, shifted gears in an attempt to salvage their campaign.

It was in the 67th minute that Victor Wanyama, leveraging his experience and presence, responded for Montréal. 

Rising highest in a crowded penalty area, Wanyama connected with a sharp corner kick to head the ball past a stranded Forge goalkeeper, trimming the deficit to one.

Inspired by Wanyama’s goal, Montréal threw everything forward in a desperate bid to level the aggregate score. 

Despite creating numerous chances and maintaining sustained pressure, Forge FC’s resilient defending thwarted all attempts, ensuring their advancement to the semifinals.

This loss marks a significant disappointment for CF Montréal, who were favorites entering the tie. 

It also represents the third instance a CPL team has ousted an MLS team from the Canadian Championship, highlighting the rising competitiveness of the league.

 Previous occurrences saw Pacific FC and Cavalry FC defeating Vancouver Whitecaps in 2021 and 2019 respectively.

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