J3 Play-offs Moov Africa Ligue Pro de Handball, editing 2023: Flowers (H) confirms its hegemony against Aspac (H)

At the end of an epic duel counting for the third day of the Play-offs of the Moov Africa Pro Handball League, played Wednesday 15 November at the Hall of Arts in Cotonou, the men of Flowers Hbc have once again sufficiently proven their domination over their rivals from Aspac. By this success, the formation of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) thus puts a nice stamp to validate its qualification for the final.

Uncompromising in front of the port team since 14 years, Flowers has again put the layer back by aligning efficiency, combativeness and realism, especially with the intelligent touch of the three Angolan recruits. Testifies to this, their xxl-sized performance during the classic against Aspac.

Indeed, in the cozy atmosphere of the Hall of Arts, Flowers’ team started strong, thanks to its Angolan international goalkeeper, Giovanni (16 total stops). With a defense 0-6 (with Aou Gaël as pivot), rather well established around Yaya O (3 achievements) ., Birth M (5 achievements), Tati Mario (7 achievements), Eric Ahossou (4 achievements), et Yakoubou, they widened the gap (5-1, 8e), forcing coach Antoine Alladé of Aspac to speak out to replace his foals. A saving awakening but stopped (10-08, 22e) by the dynamics of Flowers who took advantage of the lack of inspiration from the ports to go to the break with a lead of 5 points of difference (15-10).

Despite the determination of Joël Houssou (5 achievements) and his teammates to get back to the score, the less concentration got the better of them after the break. Moment chosen by the Angolan goalkeeper Flowers to make the best saves of the match, feeds’ audience applause. A reassuring performance from Muachissengue Giovanni which not only allowed his team to achieve this precious success (25-23), but elected man of the match.

“We sinned at the start of the meeting by lacking concentration. What cost us dearly”, said Jean Luc Assogba, Aspac Sports Director.

Despite the success of his team, Flowers' assistant coach, Barry Babatchene will say that there are many things to review to truly hold the bet : “The players lacked attention and concentration at the end of the match. Which forces us to review our defense and our offensive animation in a timely manner “.

Third outing of the Men of Flowers this Thursday 16 November against the defending champion, Goodbye.

Damien TOLOMISSI