Commins Menapi scored as Makuru held Super 8 Champions Koloale to a 1-1 draw in the Our Telekom National Club Championship yesterday.

His goal came early in the second half from a Derrick Taebo cross after the two teams failed to find the net in the first stanza.

Yesterday's afternoon showers did not help in the teams' quest for goals.

But Menapi's first appearance after his return from Waitakere united last week added excitement to the game as the two Pool B teams fought for supermacy.

Makuru opened with an attacking game and Menapi and Alick Maemae made several attempts on goal earlier.

Koloale midfielder Henry Koto hit back in similar fashion but John Morgan was on spot to save the ball.

As the drama continued more shots on goal came from the teams but the slippery conditions did not help much.

At the breather; there were tied at 0-0.

Coming into the second spell, Makuru with the combination of Batram Suri, Alick Maemae and Derrick Taebo found Menapi just in time in front of the goal mouth to score.

The goal gave energy to the game as the two teams took their chances.

Menapi nearly extended Makuru's lead a shot time later but his shot was off target.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Koloale made two substitutions and brought in Oscar Sara and Priestly Futa.

It paid off with five minutes to go when Futa found the equaliser with a powerful shot.

The draw gave Koloale five points from 3 games and are currently leading pool B. Makuru are second with four points from 2 games.

Source: Charles Kadamana | Solomon Star

Honiara, Solomon Islands; The finals of the Super 8 Challenge ended last night as Uncles and Koloale battled for first place. It was initially a fiery contest until tired legs and ill-discipline turned it into a lethargic game that fizzled out as the game progressed. However, at the end of the day Koloale reigned supreme as it capitalized on defensive errors and a short-handed Uncles team to win 2-1 in extra time.

Earlier in the day both Makuru and Marist ran rampant scoring 9 goals in total and Makuru consolidating the third position with a 6-3 demolition of a young but inexperienced Marist side lacking the services of Benjamin Mela, Abraham Iniga and Jack Samani. Alick Maemae returned to the Makuru lin
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Honiara, Solomon Islands:  The Super 8 Championship started with a bang and last night, football fans were not disappointed as Honiara was treated to another scintillating display of football.  It was semi-finals night with Makuru taking on Koloale and Uncles against Marist. Two former O-League representatives against the rough, young and rugged outfits of Koloale and Uncles.  It was the Uncles fans who turned out in numbers, trumpets, a chant and all. 

The atmosphere was slightly dampened when the first semi-finals between Makuru and Kola'ale went into extra time, both teams locked at 2 all and eventually to the spot kicks.  To add to the fanfare, the floodlights suddenly went off and the whole stadium was cast into darkness.  The fans never seemed to let the mood die as flashlights went on, mobiles started ringing, cameras flashing and a fervent "power, we want power" chant broke the silence.

Makuru vs Koloale

Makuru went into the breather with a goal advantage.  Veteren Batram Suri scoring from a free-kick.  Koloale returned in the second half determined to get a goal and were rewarded with a penalty when John Iani was cited by the referee for handball in the area.  Richard Anisua drew the teams level with a well taken penalty.  Makuru appeared all out of sorts as it tried to regain its advantage only to fall behind when it failed to clear and Henry Koto laid off a brilliant header to Oscar Sara who made no mistake from a tight position.  Then the hunting fray began, Makuru for an equaliser, Koloale falling back on defense and countering.  Time and time again, Makuru persisted and finally found an equaliser in injury time when a perfect cross found George Lui in the area.  His window of opportunity closed fast so he passed off to Reginald Afia who made no mistake from close range.  In extra time, both teams missed opportunities that would have won the game, none more so then Paul Kakai and George Lui who both misfired in front of goal. 

By the time Makuru's Nelson Sale stumbled and missed his penalty, Makuru knew they were losing their grip on a trip to the final.  And as Shadrack Ramoni had done all afternoon, his brilliant save from a Ben Kunua penalty sealed Makuru's fate.

Afterthought

It would be of no surprise that Kossa dominated and won against Makuru in the pool games as the team that showed up on Monday was porous in defense, disjointed in midfield and ever reliant on veteren Batram Suri's tired legs.  Having said that Kolo'ale brought younger players who have matured through their ranks and played a significant role in the win.

Uncles vs Marist

This was the game, fans had flocked to watch.  After waiting for 3 hours, the first half was a disappointment as nerves were unsettled and tempers flared.  A quick succession of cautions from referee Andrew Moli was enough to quell the situation and Marist were quickest to settle in.  Daring runs by Michael Misitana and the constant threat from Joachim Rande was always problematic for George Kwanae and Eddie Ngaitini.  George was especially guilty, giving away easy balls and missing crucial challenges.  The first half ended goalless.

Much of the same pace and style of football was shown early in the second half.  Uncles were desperately losing control in the midfield and Judd Molea's attempts were always met with a flurry of desperate attacks.  Junior Billy had the best chance early on in the half as he collected a through pass and misfired over the cross bar.  It would appear as the game would be headed to extra time when Michael Misitana was crudely brought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.  Misitana stood up to take the spot kick but a well-timed save by the keeper kept the game safe for Uncles.

The real drama began in extra time when Uncles midfielder Michael was brought down in the area.  Judd Molea coolly slot the penalty past Fred Hale and Uncles were suddenly brought to life.  Brian Feni entered in place of injured Temoa and immediately changed the pace of the game.  Uncles began a series of onslaught which finally saw them dominate the game.  With the ever present Iannie and his silky moves, Uncles were always threatening.  Within a span of 5 minutes left in extra time, Uncles went 3-0 ahead.  Both goals were results of brilliant work and classic Uncles football.  Shot passes, straight running and well taken shots from Gibson Daudau & Loea Aaron sealed the victory for Uncles FC.

Post Mortem | Looking ahead

If Uncles wants to win the finals, it must impose itself early in the game.  They were let off the hook by a Marist side lacking experience and composure.   Koloale is a seasoned campaigner with experience from Marlon Houkawara, Henry Koto and the brilliant Shadrack Ramoni in goal.  Lency Saeni will be quick in the flanks and Richard Anisua has scored brilliant goals of late.  Uncles must learn to play a cohesive game and dominate the midfield with Fulton Temoa and a rejuvenated Brian Feni relishing a chance to be back in the starting lineup.  Judd Molea had a 'off-day' by his standards but Junior Billy is quick and has finally shown good instincts and confidence to score goals.  Their combination with Iannie will be devastating if the midfield can consistently create space and chances for Billy, Molea and Iannie.  Defense will be a problem if George Kwanae and Eddie Ngaitini cannot communicate.

Of course the questions being asked now is, is Makuru eligible for the National Club Championship? Will Kossa be given the fourth and final spot HFA is applying for.  Either way look for a champion as the finals are played later today.  The chants "Give me a U - Uncles, Give me a F - Football, Give me a C - Champion" just might echo the loudest today.