HONIARA – Makuru FC has clinched the DJ League premiership title after they drew 2-2 with Sunbeam FC Lawson Tama last night.
The result puts them even with Uncles on points but with a one goal advantage in goal difference – enough to capture the title.
It was a below par performance for the star-studded Makuru outfit who could only score two goals from numerous chances they created infront of the large Honiara crowd.
But they got off to the perfect start when Solomon Islands international Alick Maemae opened the scoring for Makuru inside 22 seconds when a swift move caught Sunbeam defenders off guard from the kick off.
Midfielder Leslie Kakai found an opening downt he right channel to break down deep into Sunbeam’s territory before sending a timely cross to a waiting Maemae for an easy tap-in.
The goal came as surprise for Sunbeam who regrouped quickly and responded almost instantly by finding the equalizer inside five minutes.
Kennedy Unga slotted home the spot kick after match referee Nelson Sogo judged an infringement inside the penalty box.
It was an equal contest from then on with Sunbeam throwing-everything at Makuru in search of an upset victory.
It took Makuru until the 74th minute to break the deadlock when George Lui the target after he beat Sunbeam’s influential defender Bata Furai and managed to find the back of the net.
The Makuru fans celebration’s were short-lived as Sunbeam equalized six minutes later through former Nelson Suburbs Wesley Olea in the 84th minutes.
Makuru team official Patteson Bekala admitted after the match that his boys had played below par missing a couple of good chances including a penalty.
Maemae took the spot kick but his shot was stopped by the Sunbeam keeper who stood out for his side.
Makuru also had the ball in the back of the net in second half but that goal was disallowed for an offside offence.
Meanwhile, Sunbeam’s hope of making the ‘Top 8’ appears over following the draw. They will play their final game against Rangers on Tuesday.
DJ League Standings
| |
P |
W |
L |
D |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
| Makuru |
11 |
9 |
0 |
2 |
40 |
15 |
25 |
29 |
| Uncles |
11 |
9 |
0 |
2 |
37 |
13 |
24 |
29 |
| Marist |
11 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
31 |
18 |
13 |
22 |
| Koloale |
11 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
33 |
26 |
7 |
22 |
| Kossa |
11 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
27 |
14 |
13 |
19 |
| Rangers | 10 | 4 |
20 | 22 | -2 | 13 | ||
| Walas | 11 |
23 | 29 | -6 | 12 | |||
| Naha | 11 | 27 | 38 | -11 | 12 | |||
| Hana | 11 | 3 |
13 | 24 | -11 | |||
| Sunbeam |
2 |
2 |
13 |
25 | -12 | 8 |
||
| Laugu |
11 | 2 |
1 |
13 |
28 | -15 | 7 |
|
| Zome Mars |
11 |
1 |
9 |
1 |
11 |
36 |
-25 |
4 |