Trevor Suluhia’s decisive goal has propelled defending champions Malaita Eagles into the grand final of the 2025 Solomon Cup, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a determined Western Tomoko side.
In an evenly contested battle, both teams tested each other’s strengths, with Tomoko enjoying the better chances in the first half.
The Eagles came out stronger in the second half, dominating possession, but struggled to find the final pass in the attacking third.
Just when the match seemed destined for extra time, Malaita’s No.10, Trevor Suluhia, pounced on a loose ball inside the 18-yard box and calmly slotted home the winner, sending his side into Friday’s grand final.
Speaking after the match, Eagles head coach Terry Oiaka expressed satisfaction with the result despite a slow start.
“I think the mentality of my boys to stay in the game until we scored the winning goal really proved the difference,” Oiaka said.
“Throughout the match, we didn’t move the ball the way we wanted. So at halftime, the message was to move the ball quicker and be more creative in the final third.”
Oiaka acknowledged that for many of his players, it was their first time playing in such a high-pressure environment with a large crowd.
“You could see the pressure on some of the boys today with this huge turnout, and it will take time. I need everyone to step up ahead of Friday,” he added.
Looking ahead to the grand final, Oiaka emphasised the importance of recovery over the next few days and thanked the Malaita supporters who filled the Lawson Tama Stadium.
“Their support really boosted our young side,” he said.
The Eagles will now prepare for a showdown with Makira Ulawa Kakamora in Friday’s final — a repeat of their 2022 championship clash.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
