G-Camp clinched the 2017 Wantok Futsal Challenge Cup after a thrilling final that saw the boys from east Honiara overcome NGU Brothers 4-3 in front of a huge crowd on Saturday at the Multi-purpose Hall in Honiara.
Both teams started the clash on the front foot with some brilliant futsal exchanges in the opening 10 minutes.
It was an end to end stuff as the players on the court play to the vocal crowd’s rhythm.
G-Camp opened the scoring moment from a quick counter attack by NGU Brothers as Anthony Talo was beaten at the far post.
The momentum shifted towards NGU Brothers as they were searching for answers going into the last 10 minutes of the final.
Talisman Albert Wetney pulled one back to put the game back on level terms.
Players endured some frustrating moments as chances go begging.
Junior Atana Fa’arodo proved why he is a key player for G-Camp to notch home their second of the match to put his side back in front 2-1 at half time.
NGU Brothers put their heads together by displaying mental toughness and their hard work paid off five minutes into second half with an equalizer.
Evergreen Lenson Bisili finished with a crisp shoot outside his own half to level the tie 2-2.
Building from his outstanding performance in the second half, Bisili extended NGU Brothers lead 3-2.
But Junior Sina restored G-Camp’s hopes of clinching the title with a smart finish past Talo.
The atmosphere was intensified going into the last 10 minutes of the final as both sides searched for a match winner.
Hero of the final was Graham Alfred, who turned the game on its head with a well taken winner in the dying embers of the final.
NGU Brothers head coach Tony Wale said hats off to his lads as they played their hearts out.
“It should be our game as we dominated majority of the game. If the boys put away their scoring chances it might be a different story after 40 minutes of play,” he said.
His opposite number, Glen Buka thanked his players for their hard work and dedication.
“Credits to the players for their fighting spirit shown in the final. Thank you to our crazy fans that provided the support from the stands,” he said.
As champions, Buka stressed his team now shifts their focus to next year’s Wantok Futsal Challenge in Vanuatu, Port Vila.
G-Camp received $10,000.00 with the winner’s trophy.
By SIMON ABANA
