HONIARA – Marist FC handed Kossa FC a harsh lesson in the realities of fighting campaigns on two fronts after it defeated the Jacob Moli-coached club 3-0 at a rain-soaked Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.

Solomon Islands former OFC O-League club representatives Marist scored three second half goals to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Top 8 semi-finals alive against an understrength Kossa side.

John Wayne, Aloysio Orosua and Joachim Waroi scored spectacular goals to see off a strong challenge from Kossa’s depleted ranks in front of a parochial Marist FC support excited to witness a vital victory.

Waroi and Wayne had a couple of chances just before half-time to open the scoring for Marist FC but suqandered them when it looked easier to score.

Orosua who came in as Marist FC substitute made sure he got on the score sheet when he scored a scintillating goal to set up a memorable victory for his team.

Marist FC caretaker coach, Jerry Allen  – filling in for the absent Patrick Miniti – said he made a number of changes in the line up taking into account Kossa’s form of late including their win over Waitakere last Saturday when planning how they would approach this match.

“I told my boys at training and before the match that Kossa is in top form and to match them, they must lift their performance and that was exactly what they did,” he said.

Kossa coach Jacob Moli was philosophical about the defeat.

"We were without James Naka, Joe Luwi and Samason Takayama and only used five players from the match against Waitakere United and it made a difference.

It’s no excuse to lose the game and if we had taken chances in the first half we may have won this match," Moli said.

Meanwhile, Kossa will take on Walas on Saturday and Makuru on Monday in must-win matches.

The Kossa coaching staff will go back to the drawing board to assess their weakness before they play their final matches.

MARIST FC vs. KOSSA FC

LAWSON TAMA STADIUM

HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS  

HALFTIME: 0-0

FULLTIME: 3-0 

MARIST: Francis Aruwafu 1 – gk, Joseph Lani 7, Jerry Sam 6, Martin Ruhasia 16, David Houpere 3, Clifford Huta 12, Michael Misitana 10, John Wayn 13, Joachim Waroi 9, Johan Doiwale 11.

SUBSTITUTES: Philip Samani 20, Arnold Keni 1B, Francis Saemala, Stanley Araha 14, Gibson Hosea 5, Alford Po’o 4, Aloysio Orosua 15.

GOALS: John WAYNE, Aloysio OROSUA, Joachim WAROI.

KOSSA John Morgan 1, Gideon Omokirio 17, Tome Faisi 4, Eddie Kairi 15, Terry Oiaka 2, Gerald Boka 10, Mahlon Maemania 6, Willie Sade 11, Paul Wale 7, Reginald Davani 14, Sammy Wa’ahero 9.

SUBSTITUTES: Severino Aefi 21, Moffat Deramoa 13, John Duddley 16, Sam Maena 3, Apolos Letade 12, Roy Enori 5, Philip Ashley 8.

REFEREE: Chris SAENI

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Hamilton SIAU

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: John ROY

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Robert HITE