RECAP + HIGHLIGHTS: Halifax Wanderers vs. Forge FC | August 2, 2026

Halifax Wanderers earned a valuable point at home on Sunday, holding league-leading Forge FC to a 0-0 draw and denying the visitors a chance to match the Canadian Premier League record for consecutive victories.

Forge entered the match chasing a piece of league history, looking to extend its winning streak to seven matches and equal the mark set by Cavalry FC, which opened the inaugural 2019 season with seven straight victories.

Halifax, meanwhile, was searching for its first win since July 5 and did so without head coach Vanni Sartini, who served a suspension after receiving a red card following the club's previous match. Assistant coach Daryl Fordyce stepped in to take charge from the touchline.

There was little to separate first from sixth on the night. Halifax not only frustrated Forge but grew stronger as the match progressed, finishing on the front foot and coming closest to finding a late winner. The result snapped the Wanderers' seven-match losing streak against the Hamilton side and keeps them sixth in the standings, now level on points with FC Supra du Québec. Supra remains ahead on the first tiebreaker — total wins — while also holding two matches in hand.

Neither team manage a shot on target in a cagey opening half. Forge held a slight edge in chance quality, generating 0.11 expected goals to Halifax's 0.05, while possession was split almost evenly. Forge attempted five shots off target compared to Halifax's one, but clear-cut opportunities were at a premium in a true stalemate on Natal Day at Wanderers Grounds.

The contest opened up considerably after halftime, with the two sides combining for 21 shots after the break, though only five of those efforts were on target. 

Halifax increasingly seized the initiative, controlling 67 per cent of possession over the final 15 minutes as the hosts pushed for a late winner.

The side came close when Ryan Telfer's low cross deflected off Forge’s Antoine Batisse and struck the base of the far post, with the rebound bouncing kindly for the visitors.

Halifax's best opportunities arrived in the 85th minute. Telfer's corner found Thomas Meilleur-Giguère, whose powerful header was stopped on the goal line by Forge goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud. Mo Babouli hacked the rebound off the line, but only as far as André Rampersad near the penalty spot. The Halifax veteran struck the loose ball but was unable to force his effort over the line as the Wanderers failed to break the deadlock.

The point keeps Forge at the top of the CPL standings, although its lead over second-place Cavalry is now just two points, with the Hamilton club still holding a game in hand.

BOX SCORE

Starting XIs

Halifax Wanderers FC: Carducci;  Olguin (Ciccarelli 85’), Meilleur-Giguere, Linder, Alphonse; Callegari,Johnston (Rampersad 85’), Zitman (Reid 69’); Telfer, Arilla (Troisi 69’), Kachwele (Bahamboula 39’)

Forge FC: Bertaud; Jevremovic, Batisse, Nimick, Rama; Paton, Aromatario (Jensen 64’), Massunda (Oketokoun 72’);  Ampomah (Babouli 74’), Borges (Krutzen 85’), Wright (Sadek 64’)

Discipline

34’ — Yellow: Hoce Massunda (Forge FC)

35’ — Yellow: Antoine Batisse (Forge FC)

45+3’ — Yellow: Dan Nimick (Forge FC)

51’ — Yellow: Isaiah Johnston (Halifax Wanderers FC)

79’ — Yellow: Tristan Borges (Forge FC)

80’ — Yellow: Adonijah Reid (Halifax Wanderers FC)

90+4’ — Yellow: Ismael Oketokoun (Forge FC)