HONIARA – Veteran Koloale midfielder Henry Koto (pictured) scored twice for Solomon Islands O-League representatives to help seal a convincing 3-1 victory over visiting Brisbane Wolves in the first of two international friendly matches at Lawson Tama stadium yesterday.
The win is a major boost for Koloale as they prepare for the 2009 OFC O-League and a potential qualifying berth at the FIFA Club World Cup next year.
Koloale used the match to give many of their squad players exposure against international opposition and coach Luke Eroi will be heartened by their response.
Koloale’s dominance of the match was apparent in a keenly contested first-half with Ezra Sale and Richard Anisua going close to scoring.
However, the Australians absorbed Koloale’s pressure and hit on the counter with great effect.
Brisbane Wolves long ball approach yielded rewards when Irish striker Ryan Campbell scored after 39 minutes from start after some exciting approach play from team mate Michael Patrick Butters on the right.
Brisbane Wolves delight at snatching a hard-earned lead disappeared quickly when Koloale defender Jeffery Bule hit an equaliser in the 44th minute with a left foot shot that dashed past Wolves goalkeeper Adrian Ghidella grasping at thin air.
Just a minute after Bule’s equaliser-goal, Koto got his name on the score sheet after combining effectively with a sharp short passing move involving Anisua and Sale.
Wolves came back with a lot of urgency in the second half but it was Koto’s second and Koloale’s third goal in the 59th minute that killed the match off.
But Brisbane Wolves kept attacking and were it not for some good defending and fine goalkeeping, two of Wolves attacking moves may have otherwise brought greater rewards.
Congolese player, Kado Aoci, made a big impact going forward and helped create several chances for Brisbane.
Luke Eroi was understandably delighted with the result.
“Yes, we won and I must congratulate my boys. My boys did very well.
“Our midfielders did as expected by spearheading many of our moves and overall, our strategies did work.
“But we will have to forget about today’s game and focus on the final match on Saturday.”
But while he praised his boys for the result but said the lack of sharp finishing in front of goal was a concern.
“Currently, that’s one of our weak areas. We missed a lot of chances and this must improve for the DJ League and O-League.”
“Brisbane used a lot of long balls and our defenders tried their best to get them down.”
Asked if he would use the same line-up again in their next match, he said that depends on the fitness of the players after a busy week of action.
Wolves’ coach Paul Edwards said the match was disappointing.
“But we expect more positive things to come in the remainder of the games.”
Edwards said they now become familiar with the Solomon Islands style of soccer and are hoping for a marked improvement in the next two matches.
He also blamed the heat as one of the contributing factors for their loss.
“Yes, back in Queensland, we also have a warm environment but not as extreme as the one we experienced here,” Edwards said.
Koloale FC:
Shadrach Ramoni, Mahlon Houkarawa, Timothy Joe, Richard Anisua, Welshman Houkarawa, Henry Koto, Peter Taloga, Jeffery Bule, Augustine Anisi, Nicholas Muri, Ezra Sale. Subs: Eddie Ramo, Cecil Buru, Mathew Okamae, Leonard Rokoto, Ian Paia, Oscar Sara, Presly Futa and Steve Anisi.
Coach: Luke Eroi
Goals: Jeffery Bule 44′, Henry Koto 45′, 59′.
Brisbane Wolves FC:
Adrian Ghidella, Mathew Lawrence Lyell, Paul Mikula, Wade Davidson, Trent Clulow, Ryan Campbel Nathan Reardon, Michael Tsounias, Damon Wade Jennings, Mathew Smith, Michael Patrick Butters. Subs: Ben Wicks, David William Rowley, Richard Lecky, Claudio Giuglio Romano, Jason Francis Sevasta. Kristen Waters, Throssos Tsounias.
Coach: Paul Edwards
Goals: Ryan Campbell 39′.