RECAP+ HIGHLIGHTS: Halifax Wanderers vs. Forge FC (May 3, 2025)

For the first time in 2025, a Canadian Premier League match has finished without a goal, as the Halifax Wanderers and Forge were unable to break each other open in a 0-0 draw at Wanderers Grounds.

As a result, they both extended their undefeated runs to begin the 2025 CPL campaign, with the Wanderers sitting with three wins and two draws, and Forge with two wins and three draws, keeping them second and third in the table, respectively.

Despite how it ended, it didn't take long for the Wanderers to generate a dangerous chance from the start, as they almost had the ball in the back of Forge's net inside a minute. On a corner, Giorgio Probo put in a perfect ball, one that found the head of Thomas Meilleur-Giguère, but his header would be palmed just past the post by Forge's Jassem Koleilat in goal.

At the other end, Forge almost scored in the fourth minute, as Brian Wright did well to wiggle into some open space in the box, but his left-footed strike hit the outside of the post to stay out.

After that, however, the game would settle down as both teams found their footing. As a result, the next best chance didn't come until the 39th minute, as Jason Bahamboula did a great job of dancing into the box, sending a left-footed shot just wide of the goal from a good spot.

Continuing a strong half of action, the Wanderers almost scored off another set-piece in the 44th minute, as Probo whipped in another perfect ball, but Tiago Coimbra's close-range header sailed just over the crossbar.

On the other side of the break, Forge came out strongly, as they looked to take the lead. They nearly found the lead in the 50th minute, as Kyle Bekker found Noah Jensen with a perfect set-piece delivery, and Jensen almost found the net, with his header drifting just wide of the net.

Then, much like earlier in the game, the Wanderers almost caught Forge by surprise on another set-piece in the 64th minute. After a great delivery from Sean Rea, Kareem Sow rose highest to meet it, but he sent his shot right at Koleilat.

Moments later, Forge arguably had the best chance of the game in the 65th minute.

After a great ball into the box, Halifax's Adam Pearlman almost turned it into his own goal, forcing a great save out of Rayane Yesli. Unfortunately, he couldn't control the rebound, which fell to Wright, but his shot would be kept out of the goal by an outstanding block from Meilleur-Giguère, who managed to get in front of what looked to be a sure goal from the Forge striker.

The Wanderers nearly made that clearance pay off in the 74th minute, too, as Probo flashed a dangerous shot from distance, but his low shot would bounce off the post and stay out, keeping the game at 0-0.

Eager to find a late winner, Yohan Baï had a great look in the 84th minute, as he fired a shot from the edge of the box, curling a shot just over the goal after the ball fell to him in a good spot.

From there, however, despite some good spells from both teams, they'd be unable to find the breakthrough required to win, leaving both teams to split the spoils after a draw.

BOX SCORE

Lineups

Halifax Wanderers FC: Yesli; Pearlman, Meilleur-Giguère, Sow, Timóteo; Callegari, Johnston (Biello 87'); Bahamboula (Baï 61'), Probo (Rampersad 84'), Dias (Rea 61'); Coimbra (Telfer 61')

Forge FC: Koleilat; Rama (Kane 76'), Nimick, Achinioti-Jönsson, Paton; Hojabrpour, Bekker; Choinière (Ampomah 62'), Jensen (Lipovschek 76'), Borges (Babouli 62'); Wright

Goals

N/A

Discipline

78' -- Yellow: Alessandro Hojabrpour (Forge FC)

86' -- Yellow: Thomas Meilleur-Giguère (Halifax Wanderers FC)

90+1' -- Yellow: Daniel Nimick (Forge FC)

90+5' -- Yellow: Nana Ampomah (Forge FC)