ITS a must win match for Central Coast against Tupapa this Thursday if they want to keep their dreams alive of advancing into the next round.
Thats what Head Coach of Central Coast Jacob Moli told local media in an interview after their first defeat to Hekari on Monday.
After a hard fought battle, Central Coast which represents the host nation Solomon Islands, lost to the Papua New Guinea’s Champions on day 2 of the Oceania Champions League on Monday.
Hekari registered their first 3 points on the table after thrashing the Moli led side with three unanswered goals.
Moli said, his boys struggled throughout the match and were disorganized in their game.
He added discipline was also one main thing that let them down.
“Well I think we had struggled in the game because we have only trained during those times leading up to the tournament.
“We haven’t really played any competitive matches so I see that the team was a little disorganized in some parts of the game.
“Our discipline was also the thing that let us down as we gave away too many free kicks in dangerous areas that’s why Hekari scored their first goal.
“The other 2 goals also came from our mistakes which they capitalized on, and again the teams are just waiting to capitalize on their opponents mistakes, something that we must go back and work on,” the disappointed coach said.
He underscored that his boys must win their second match against Tupapa this Thursday and there is no other option left for them.
“We must win our second game this Thursday in order to gain maximum points because there are no two ways, we have to win and after work out something for the last game. We are looking forward for this second game,” Coach Moli stressed.
The tournament began with the first 4 teams of Group A played on the day 1 on Sunday, Group B played their first matches on Monday.
For Group A, Tiga Sport and Auckland City are currently leading with 3 points each registered, while Pirae FC and Rewa FC are trailing behind with no registered points.
For Group B, Hekari and Ifira Blackbird are leading with 3 points each, while Tupapa and Central Coast yet to register any points.
Matches will continue today, Wednesday 2 April, for Group A.
Rewa FC will take on Pirae FC in the first match at 12 noon and Auckland City takes on Tiga Sport at 3pm.
Today’s matches will be played at Lawson Tama Stadium.
While Group B will have their second matches on Thursday.
The first match will be Ifira Blackbird taking on Hekari United at lunch hour while Central Coast is up against Tupapa for the second match of the day starting at 3pm.
This match will be played at the national stadium, East Honiara.
The third and the final group matches for Group A and B will be played this weekend.
The semi-finals and the grand final start next week.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
