Good decisions saved Henderson Eels from losing

Malampa Revivors and Henderson Eels played an interesting match that ended drawn. Both teams were looking for the victory but they could not grab all three points and now they need to bet all their chips in the third and last matchday of 2020 OFC Champions League Group B.

Henderson Eels did not make many changes from the clash against Lae City to the second game against Malampa Revivors. Freddie Kini replaced Boni Pride that got injured in the opening match while Rodney Suri was promoted to the starting eleven as Augustine Tagana sat on the bench.

On the other hand, Malampa Revivors needed to change their attack for this match because forward Andre Batick was suspended. Left Back Lency Philip was another played that left the starting eleven but Revivors’ kept the same gamestyle in comparison with their debut against Lae.

The Ni-Vanuatu side started the match with a high ball possession while the Eels are trying to put some pressure on their opponents’ ball distribution. After suffering the first goal, the team coached by Eddie Marahare finally started to find some space to play but Revivors were also finding space to play.

Things got better for Eels when Eddie Marahare decided to make some changes. Kennedy Watamae left the pitch in the 40th minute to be replaced by Hudson Felani and this substitution was crucial for them. The Solomon Islands side started to be more combative in the midfield and then they were able to create good opportunities to score.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw and it was just a presage of what would happen in the second half. Eels had a better second half and they kept trying to find the net while Malampa Revivors struggled to keep the possession with a high quality.

The Solomon Islands’ team deservedly found the net to lead the match by 2-1 and it would be a fair result if we take into consideration that Eels were having a better performance since the 40th minute. However Revivors managed to tie the match after a quick play finished by Armando Ravo.

Eels’ defense improved a lot from one game to another but they still need some ajustment as their defense are very unprotected. The midfielders should get closer to the defenders when they are trying to retake the ball possession.

Revivors played a decent match but they must find some new solutions if they want to beat Lae City in the third matchday to qualify through the next stage. The Ni-Vanuatu side has plenty of talent in their midfield but they need more to make the quarterfinals.