HONIARA – Joe Manu was the hero for East Honiara Lions as his lone strike in the second half handed his team Our Telekom Cup’s trophy and a $20,000 jackpot.
He was brought on as a substitute for Danny Rande in the second half and immediately made his presence felt.
His shot on the edge of the 18 yard box deceived Central Honiara’s goalkeeper Michael Time who came out in anticipation but was unable to get his hand on it and it rolled into the
net when it hit the upright.
The goal sent Manu and his mates into wild celebrations and was echoed by their supporters around the ground.
It was a relief for the East Honiara team who were beaten in pool play by West Honiara, but they found their rhythm again in the semifinals brushing aside Makira’s Our Kakamora by
two goals to nil to secure their finals spot.
It was going to be a tight affair and Central Honiara had the best chance to win the match with Alick Maemae in command of their midfield. He sprayed telling passes around but his
front men were unable to utilize them.
National striker Godwin Bebeu and Ezra Sale came close on a number of occasions but were unable to find their target.
They were kept in check all the time by Honiara East captain and Bilikiki beach soccer team defender Eddie Ngaitin and national Under 20 defender Hardis Aengari.
Central Honiara never stopped fighting and their defenders were also able to contain East Honiara and golden boot winner Joses Nawo from scoring.
Manu’s goal had lifted pressure out of his East Honiara team and they resorted to a more defensive play after that.
Maemae and his generals never gave up fighting and Bebeu tried all the tricks in the book to find the equaliser and forced the match into extra time but to no avail.
It was definitely not their day and to add to their woes their iron defender Nelson Sale was sidelined and did not take the field because of two yellow cards he received
earlier.
Meanwhile, a Richard Mama spot kick was enough to give his Makira Ulawa team the third place, $6,000 and bronze medals.
Mama’s Our Kakamora came into the match determined to regain some lost pride and pay for their loss in the semifinals against another East Honiara.
They found it a hard nut to crack as West Honiara was keen to make it all Honiara teams getting the first three prizes.
Match referee Nelson Sogo spotted an infringment inside the penalty box and without hesitation, awarded Makira the spot kick.
Our Kakamora captain Mama made no mistake slotting in the only goal when he took the kick.
And to add salt to injury, West Honiara lost one of its hardworking defenders John Waiti who received his matching orders from Sogo for reacting againt Makira’s striker Max
Menapi.
The prizes;
1st East Honiara Gold medals, trophy & $20,000 jackspot.
2nd Central Honiara Silver medals & $10,000
3rd Our Kakamora Bronze Medals & $6,000
4th West Honiara $4,000
Consolation prizes
Player of the Tournament Cash prize $1,000 – Gibson Hosea
(Guadalcanal Hornets)
Golden Boot Award Cash prize $1,000 – Joses Nawo
(East Honiara Lions)
Fairplay Award Guadalcanal Hornets – $2,000