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Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League
Forge 1-0 HFX Wanderers: Hammers Bounce Back
By A week on from their maiden domestic loss this season, Forge immediately returned to winning ways. The Hammers struck late on to defeat Halifax Wanderers Wanderers 1-0 at home for their 14th league victory in 2025.
After falling 4-1 to Cavalry last Saturday – ending a 24-game unbeaten run across all competitions – Forge had two changes in the starting eleven. In came Tristan Borges and Hoce Massunda, who started over Brian Wright and David Choiniere.
The Wanderers impressed in their previous showing, beating York United 4-0 at Wanderers Grounds on Labour Day. Unsurprisingly, there was only one change made, which was forced. Tiago Coimbra was out through injury, with Jason Bahamboula coming into the lineup in his stead.
The first half was lively, with both teams trading spells of possession. Halifax nearly went in front 20 minutes in on a counter attack. Lorenzo Callegari slipped in Bahamboula, who made a long run down the wing. He managed to create space in the box to have a go, but first his attempt just wide.
Less than a minute later, the guests had another great chance. Wesley Timoteo’s cross found Vitor Dias, who squared it to Sean Rea. After taking a touch, the number 10 put his effort over the bar.
Just before the half hour mark, Forge won a penalty. Nana Ampomah got into the box, making a move to get past Timoteo. However, the Wanderers man stuck out a leg, fouling his opponent. The referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Up stepped Dan Nimick, who was playing against his former side. Although he sent Rayane Yesli the wrong way, the centre back’s penalty crashed off the post and stayed out. It was the second time in 2025 that Nimick failed to convert a spot kick.
Forge opened the second half with a free kick from about 25 yards out. Borges stepped up, but curled his effort over the bar. Yesli was slightly concerned, but in the end, watched as the ball went high.
It was the hosts who had more of the chances in the second 45, giving their opponents more trouble throughout the half. With less than 20 minutes to go, they nearly struck. Ampomah played a cross to Wright. The striker got his head on the ball, but his effort ended up hitting the crossbar and staying out. At that point, it was the best chance of the half.
However, the hosts found a way through a little less than 10 minutes later. Noah Jensen played a crossfield ball to Ampomah, who got onto it and found Mo Babouli in the box. With Yesli beaten, Babouli was able to tap it home from close range to give his side the lead.
The Wanderers pushed for an equalizer after that, and nearly found it at the death. A cross went to Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, who nodded it down to Bahamboula. The forward whiffed at the ball, though it ended it up falling to Reshaun Walkes. The substitute tried to hit an acrobatic effort, but ultimately got under the ball, making it go high. It was his side’s best chance of the match.
A last-ditch corner was cleared by Jassem Koleilat, with the referee’s whistle being blown immediately after to end the match. Forge held on for all three points, going to 49 points. It was also their 11th clean sheet in the league this season, as Koleilat – who was in goal for all of those matches – breaking the single-season record for the most shutouts. Next for the Hammers will be a trip to Winnipeg for Thursday’s match versus Valour.
Halifax remains fourth despite the defeat. Next for them will be a trip out west for a Friday night showdown with Cavalry. Both sides, alongside York United, are pushing for third spot to host the quarterfinal, so it will be quite an important game for the pair.
Header Image Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League
