SFSF: On a wet and miserable Saturday in Apia, which caused the postponement of many games on field 2, the 2004 Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation season kicked off with a few surprises in the opening GM Bakery Cup fixtures.
In the Women’s Cup Kiwi downed reigning Champ of Champs titleholders, Lepea 2-1 with a last minute goal from double goal-scorer, Elisapeta Uitualagi Malota, to retain the Cup. Sogi were saved by a late equaliser from Samoa U-23 rep Kiwi Timo to draw with Moataa to retain the GM Bakery Cup after a tough battle.
Despite the damp conditions which fortunately cleared through the day the heavy overnight rain took its toll on field 2 and to save the magnificent turf from major damage and potential player injury, all games fixtured were postponed.
This however did not dampen the players or supporters whose teams had the good fortune to be playing on the international field. Its superb drainage allowed for all games to proceed and kick off on time.
Newly promoted Central scored 2 second half goals to pip Kiwi 2-1 in an impressive debut in the premiership. 2003 Premier League champion Lepea had to battle against the second promoted side Moamoa, before eventually coming away 2-1 winners, but it was Hosanna who surprised everybody with the win of the day. A 4-1 hiding of Sinamoga will send a few shock waves through the division but it is early days yet and certainly a long way to go.
The young Sinamoga outfit just could not get going and were out muscled and outgunned in most departments. Sinamoga need to take stock but they are sure to improve as the tournament progresses and the bugs in the system have been sorted out.
The feature game of the opening round game saw Moataa challenge the Men’s GM Bakery Cup holders. Sogi retained the trophy with a late equaliser from Kiwi Timo. Going into the game Sogi would have been the favourites but a determined Moataa put up a tough battle and went ahead in the first half following a bizarre own goal from Sogi defender Iupeli Iupeli. However Timo’s late strike gave Sogi the draw and retention of the cup for at least another week.
The challenge will heat up this weekend when reigning Champ of Champs titleholder Lepea will no doubt turn up with all guns blazing.