The game finished in a 1-all draw after the Bonitos stepped up from their first friendly against the same opponents a week ago in which they lost 3-0.
Coach Jacob Moli’s men exuded confidence throughout the game and dominated possession. They also created more chances than Koloale, who missed the influence of defender Samson Takayama, a stand-out figure in the first match.
The opening period was controlled by the Bonitos and Koloale were not able to run the midfield as they did the previous Saturday. The inclusion of Joses Nawo certainly helped the national team and allowed Gibson Daudau to shift to the left and form a double-pronged attack with Nawo.
But a mixture of poor finishing and last gasp defending stopped the Bonitos from taking the lead and the two teams went into the sheds without troubling the scorers.
Moli made some tactical changes to his line-up in the second spell, putting Henry Fa’arodo up front in place of Nicholas Muri. Gideon Omokirio was also replaced by Loni Qaraba at right back.
Koloale did not make any major changes but coach Peter Eke must have instilled some energy in the side during his team talk as they returned a much more composed team and played with increased urgency.
The breakthrough Moli was hoping for came halfway through the second half when a confused Koloale defence let the ball loose for Fa’arodo, who chipped it over goalkeeper Eddie Ramo to score.
The Bonitos continued to press forward and Fa’arodo almost scored again on two occasions but was denied firstly by the wood work and then again by a great save from Ramo.
Koloale were also a threat through inspirational forward Benjamin Totori and they earned an equaliser in controversial fashion when Totori was adjudged to have been brought down by Stanley Waita in the box.
Totori found the net with his first attempt but referee Nelson Soqo ordered the spot kick to be retaken because a stray dog had entered the field.
His second attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Dida Qwaina but Totori was quick to follow up and made sure the ball went in.
Moli was happy with the performance but was disappointed to see so many scoring chances squandered.
“We made some tactical changes in the second half and this worked for us but really the strikers should have made use of their opportunities,” he says.
“We will address shooting in our coming sessions to help the forwards.”
Another friendly match is planned for this Saturday. The participating teams will be announced on Tuesday but it is likely that the national U-20 training squad will take on either the Bonitos or Koloale.
Story and photo courtesy of SIFF Media.
For the latest SIFF news visit www.SIFF.com.sb