Makira Ulawa Kakamora have booked their place in the 2025 Solomon Cup Grand Final after a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Guadalcanal Hornets in a thrilling semi-final clash on Tuesday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
After a goalless first half, both teams came out firing in the second, with goalkeepers on both ends kept busy as the tempo lifted.
The Hornets broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Terrison Weni sliced through the Kakamora defence to open the scoring. Moments later, Weni doubled his tally, giving the Hornets a comfortable 2-0 cushion midway through the second half.
Looking to spark a revival, Kakamora head coach Clivert Dagi made a tactical change, introducing Levis Ngauworo in place of Clifford Fafale to add attacking firepower.
The move paid off almost instantly. Stanly Wairowo fired home a powerful strike from outside the 18-yard box in the 68th minute to pull one back for Kakamora.
Just as the Hornets looked set to protect their narrow lead, Ngauworo made his presence felt, chipping the ball over the onrushing Hornets goalkeeper to level the scores at 2-2 in the 74th minute.
With momentum now on their side, Kakamora surged forward, and Ngauworo completed his brace in spectacular fashion deep into added time, giving his side a 3-2 lead.
Despite a late push by the Hornets, they couldn’t break through the resilient Kakamora defence. Instead, Andrew Hanua sealed the result, heading home a rebound off the crossbar from a corner to make it 4-2.
Speaking after the match, coach Dagi described the comeback as “fantastic” and praised his players for their fighting spirit.
“We started slowly and lost a bit of morale after missing chances in the first half. But during the water break, we regrouped, and the boys responded well. I’m proud of how they came from 2-0 down to win,” Dagi said.
He also reserved special praise for super-sub Ngauworo.
“Levis is my hidden striker. As a coach, I know my players well, and he came in and did exactly what was needed,” he added.
Looking ahead to Friday’s grand final, Dagi expressed confidence.
“We have two days to work on our shortcomings. Honestly, I believe my boys will be ready,” he stated.
With Kakamora fans turning out in big numbers to support the team on Tuesday, Dagi urged even more to show up for the grand final.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
