Text and image Desney Romeo
PARAMARIBO — Inter Moengotapoe managed to win in the end against district rival Notch on Saturday in the match that was also referred to as the ‘Battle of the East’: 1-0. In the opening match of the 2026/27 season of the Suriname Major League (SML), the clubs were evenly matched in the Franklin Essed Stadium, but Inter Moengotapoe showed more initiatives and also created more chances than the opponent. The team therefore collected its first three points and started the new competition well.
The former champion, led by Raymond Jopoi, put the pressure on, making it very difficult for Notch to move from defense to attack. There was a lot of movement in the area of Notch goalkeeper Marfier Hupsel in the initial phase. The speedy Ayo Adebu in particular gave the Notch defense a lot of work.
“We still have time to mature”
Notch coach Rogillo Kolf
On the other hand, it took until the eighteenth minute before Inter Moengotapoe keeper Tochero Kompagnie had to take action. He had to intervene on a corner kick for Notch.
As the first half progressed, the play of both teams became more balanced. However, neither team managed to find the net.
Late goal
Shortly after the break it was Gafar Saka of Inter Moengotapoe who hit the crossbar with a vicious shot. The best chance for Notch came after Darrel Sijpenhof was well sent away. Marcello Maatrijk stuck out his leg in time and converted the ball into a corner.
At one point it looked like both teams would return home with one point, but two players, who had come on as a substitute for Inter Moengotapoe, decided the match. On a pass from Rievaldo Doorson, Donnegy Fer cut in and left Elric Goncalves without a chance on the ground, after which he opened the score with a diagonal shot in the 91st minute: 1-0. Romeo Kastiel, who had also come on, then scored the 2-0, but he shot straight into the hands of Hupsel.
Satisfied
Inter Moengotapoe coach Jopoi indicated that he was satisfied with the way his team played. He said his boys worked hard despite Notch disrupting their play through the long balls they played. He indicated that the derby of the East is always difficult. Even though Notch is slightly inferior, it is never an easy match.
Jopoi stated that his team has prepared well for the new competition for eight weeks. Inter continues to perfect.
Notch coach Rogillo Kolf judged that the decline in the last ten minutes was noticeable in his team. For example, there were players who suffered from cramps, which he believes played a role. “We couldn’t hold on and at that moment we conceded the goal.”
Kolf revealed that he was only brought in as coach three weeks ago. According to him, the team was already in training for that. “But I haven’t really had much time. We still have time to mature.”
The coach is clear about Notch’s ambitions. “We are going to play Concacaf football and do our thing there.”
