The action packed match was played at Lawson Tama yesterday.
Koloale FC back from a 7-3 defeat to Auckland City in their O-League encounter over the weekend, needed a win to boost its morale, however could not find the back of the net although having started off the brightest of the two.
Koloale took the lead minutes after kick off after a strong start to the match, only for Marist Fire to level the match minutes before full time.
The men in green fielding most of its star studded players that featured against Auckland City.
And with the inclusion of experienced defender Samson Takayaman and Mostyn Beui orchestrating their moves in the midfield.
Marist Fire on the other hand fielded a relatively younger side that had the experience of Martin Ruhasia and Abraham Iniga.
Koloale opened the score board minutes from kick-off with a classy finish from former Waitakere United star striker Benjiman Totori.
From then on it was all Koloale dominating all departments of the field.
With the attacking flair of Totori, Ian Paia and Bilikiki sensation James Naka they displayed some fancy foot-works but were either denied by Marist Fire’s strong defense or failed to convert their chances into goals.
Marist on the other hand had to rely on their fast counter attacks led by Solympic mid-fielder Tutizama Tanito, Abraham Iniga and new striker Joachim Kairi.
Kairi had played in defense for the club in the first round of the TSL.
Midway through the first stanza Totori almost doubled Koloale FC’s, blasting a ripper which bounced back from the woodwork and cleared off by Marist defenders.
Totori’s pace down the right had caused immense pressure on the Marist Fire’s defense, cutting across and then pushing a through ball for Naka who disappointedly blasted wide.
Just as Koloale thought they were controlling the match, Tutizama Tanito, playing in a far wider role other than his usual central attack, caused a lot of trouble for the current O-League reps, however good defending from Solympic team-mate Fred Kini and Takayama prevented Marist Fire from leveling in the first stanza.
Koloale was leading at half time.
Marist Fire came out blazing in the second half, making good use of the pace of Kairi and Tanito however only to be denied by national custodian Shadrack Ramoni in goal for Koloale.
Continuous pressure by Fire combined with good defending led by Ruhasia held the boys from the east to maintain their pressure on Koloale, in search for an equalizer.
Despite the inclusion of Ezra Sale for Paia in the second half, Koloale still found it difficult penetrating the Marist Fire defense.
Koloale FC’s best two chances came from the boots of Totori, blasting from outside the 18-yard box and hitting the woodwork and then again from a solo effort down the right which flew inches wide.
Fire’s determination and constant pressure paid off 10 minutes from fulltime when Tanito rocketed down the right flanks before sending in a through ball to Kairi who cleverly overstepped it, and into the path of the onrushing Iniga who made no mistake in blasting home past Ramoni.
A last minute onslaught from Marist Fire in search of a winner came begging with minutes remaining, however was stopped by Ramoni.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
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