TWO former O-League reps and top Honiara clubs bowed out of Our Telekom national club championship yesterday.
Disappoitingly Makuru FC and Marist FC failed to make yesterday in the quarter final playoffs which have now seen them being wiped off the list for the semi-finals.
In one of the disappointing matches Rendova FC upset Makuru after a long battle in the fight for the semi-finals.
An early cross from Dennis Ifunaoa aided George Afia to find the back of the net for Makuru in the first 49 seconds which put Makuru fans on their feet.
Despite trailing by one goal Rendova Devon kept their spirits alive and high by playing without letting them to be pressurized by Makuru’s first goal.
Earlier Rendova Devon got their first chance from striker Abraham Maezama but was cleared away by Makuru keeper Felix Ray.
Rendova desperate to equalize created more chances but good keeping and solid defense by Makuru denied all their chances.
Rendova came close to scoring with a shot aiming for the top of the bar but with good hands by Felix Ray cleared it by tipping the ball over the bar.
Towards the last minutes of the first half a clear hand ball by Makuru in the penalty box was left unnoticed by the referee.
The score remained 1-0 in favour of Makuru in the first half.
Entering into the second half Makuru kept on firing and almost added one from George Afia but his shot went wide from the goal post.
Leslie Leo of did have a chance from his free kick but was cleared with a head by Rendova defense.
Eight minutes into the second spell half Alban Peter netted Rendova’s equalizing goal with a beautiful header.
The draw remained until full time which saw both team heading into extra time.
Rendova then put an end to Makuru’s dream from a penalty in the first half of the extra fifteen minutes.
Rendova played strong defense in the second part of extra time putting the score 2-1 until the final whistle.
Rendova Devon FC will be playing the winner between Solomon Warriors FC and Soloso FC.
Meanwhile in the second match of the quarter finals former 2009 O’league rep Koloale FC had caused more upset outclassing 2010 O’league rep Marist FC by 3-1.
Marist got an early goal in 52 seconds by Bentley Nalangu from a penalty rebound taken by Misitana and deflected by Koloale keeper Ramoni.
Trailing by one goal Koloale was in search for an equalizer and at the same time try to avoid unnecessary fouls that might cause any more misery.
Totori had some chances upfront in front of the goal but Marist defense line made sure that he does not take any clear shots.
Marist puts on their defensive game all through out the first spell blocking every possible chances for Koloale to equalize.
Both teams wrapped up the first spell with 1-0 in favour of Marist.
Koloale pounced back in the second spell with a different formation.
According to Koloale’s coach Peter Eke, he said, “in the first half we played 4-4-2 formation but after recess we changed formation 3-3-4 which suits the boys to defeat Marist.”
Two minutes into the second half Jnr Fa’arodo equalized for Koloale with shot in the box sending the ball whistling past the keeper.
Fa’arodo’s goal gave more nerve for Koloale players to play harder and settle the pressure.
Minutes later Ian Paia extended their score line from a sensational header sending the ball into the net.
That second goal brought pressure on Marist with their defense line trying to recover.
But this does not disturb Koloale’s Fa’arodo, Totori, and Lency Saeni from penetrating through the defense line.
Towards the end of the match it was Totori who out run three defenders and hammering it into the net to add to Koloale’s scoreboard.
Marist with one player red carded had a really hard time trying to catch up.
Even Marist coach Patrick Miniti was seen disappointed by the red card.
Marist did have chances on their way towards the finishing time but the day must not be the right time for them.
The match ended with the final results Koloale FC 3 and Marist FC 1.
Koloale coach Peter Eke told the media after the match that we were prepared for this match and we will get prepared for the semi-finals.
He added that it was good to defeat Marist at this stage because meeting Marist in the final is a threat to them.
“They beat us last year in a similar situation but now they had their penalty too early thus gave us more time to come back,” he said.
The win yesterday was something like revenge for their loss to Marist last year.
Koloale will be playing the winner of the match between Kossa FC and Northern United.
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