HONIARA – Guadalcanal Hornet’s hopes of qualifying for the semifinals of the Our Telekom Cup were dashed today following East Honiara’s loss to cross town rivals West Honiara.
Guadalcanal Hornets are on nine points following their 6-1 win over Avaiki Chiefs, but West Honiara’s win meant they join Central Shields, Malaita Eagles and Avaiki Chiefs on the
elimination list.
West Honiara needed only a draw coming into this match and had worked hard to ensure they secured their qualification through a win.
After recording a shocking loss to Guadalcanal in the opening match, West Honiara came back strong and secured three wins on the way.
The suspension of East Honiara’s experienced defender Eddie Ngaitin and non-availability of Hardis Aengari allowed West Honiara forwards to roam freely creating goal scoring
opportunities inside their attacking third.
Young national Under 17 striker, Johan Doiwale scored twice in the second half after a goalless first half to help his team qualify.
East Honiara rallied a late fight back but it came rather late for them with Nelson College student Andrew Aba slotting one past Bilikiki Beach Soccer and KOSSA goalkeeper John
Morgan.
His pace and skills were obvious each time he was in possession of the ball but simply unable to find the back of the net.
Western Turtles need only a draw to secure the second semifinal spot after Our Kakamora eliminated the Temotu Arrows this afternoon at Lawson Tama.
The turtles will meet Central Honiara in a crucial encounter which soccer pundits have predicted the Turtles to win.
However, it would be early to count out Central Honiara as they have displayed they will fight to earn their place.
Their big win over Lauru Kuvojo is an indication of their intention to qualify along with the other city teams.
The turtles on the other hand have displayed a contrasting style of football where their focus is on finding the back of the net.
Its forward players Hickley Rence and Nathan Kera have formed a formidable striking force for the Westerners and they will not disappoint their many fans when they take the
field.
Central Honiara will bank on former national defender Nelson Sale, Alick Maemae and others to ensure they progress on to the semifinals.
TEAM P W L D GF GA GD PTS
WEST HONIARA 5 4 1 0 6 3 3 12
EAST HONIARA 5 3 0 1 13 3 10 10
GUADALCANAL 5 3 2 0 15 4 11 9
MALAITA EAGLES 4 1 1 2 1 1 0 5
CENTRAL SHIELDS 4 1 3 0 5 14 -9 3
RENNELL BELLONA 5 0 4 1 3 18 -15 1
POOL B
TEAM P W L D GF GA GD PTS
MAKIRA ULAWA 5 4 0 1 11 6 5 12
WESTERN TURTLES 4 3 0 1 10 4 6 10
CENTRAL HONIARA 4 2 1 1 15 4 11 7
TEMOTU ARROWS 5 2 2 1 14 5 9 7
ISABEL FRIGATES 4 0 4 0 0 10 -10 0
LAURU KUVOJO 4 0 4 0 2 20 -18 0