Salem opens season with Rock-solid 2-0 triumph over SLE
Salem senior Karamoko Doukoure pushes the ball up the sideline against South Lyon East.
Number 8 was great for Salem’s soccer team Wednesday night at South Lyon East.
And sophomore Hamza Afaneh’s teammates shined as well during the Rocks’ 2-0 season-opening victory over the Cougars.
Afaneh netted the only two goals of the match — and only a Spiderman-esque save by East keeper Tyler Oakman prevented an Afaneh hat-trick — to fuel Salem’s 2026 debut.
First of two
The sophomore’s first goal broke up a scoreless battle with 20 minutes and 46 seconds remaining in the game when he deked a Cougar defender from 10 yards out before launching a shot into the right corner of the net.
He struck again with a dynamic effort with just over eight minutes to play to all but seal the deal.
The most-jawing dropping effort of the night was delivered by Salem senior Tyler Veresh, who stormed through a crowd of players before diving and getting his head on a corner kick. Veresh’s effort sailed just a few inches wide of the right post, but he earned another dose of respect from his players and opponents.
(To check out a short video of Veresh’s Herculean effort, click here.)
Salem appeared on the brink of seizing a 1-0 lead in the first half when senior Karamoko Doukoure dribbled toward the net on a break-away before a SLE defender pushed him in the back, sending Doukoure tumbling to the turf.
No-call, no biggie in result
Much to the frustration of the entire Salem team, no call was made on the play.
In the end, the no-call didn’t matter as the Rocks’ defense was air-tight in front of keeper Peter Demetter, who registered his first shutout of the campaign.
Additional difference-makers for the winners were Wyatt Gold and Chase Lieb.
Along with Oakman, who made three above-average saves, the Cougars were bolstered by the play of Adam Thomas and captain Andrew Bogard.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
