Solomon Cup: Malaita Eagles wins again and a late penalty gives Western Tomoko first victory

The third day of football of the prestigious Solomon Cup was full of emotions for the thousands of fans that filled the stands of Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. The current champions Malaita Eagles returned to the pitch to play this time Guadalacanal Hornerts while the most thrilling match of the day saw a late penalty confirm the first win of Western Tomoko against Temotu Arrows.

The first match was decided in the first half; Malaita opened the scoreline at the 38th minute of play thanks to Fred Anii, while just before the half time Norman Ngafu scored his fourth goal of the tournament to double the lead of the Malaitans. The Guada coud not give resistance in the second half to the current champions that managed to confirm its second win in two games played.

The second match of the day between Temotu Arrows and Western Tomoko started very well for the Westerners with an early goal scored by Jaygray Sipakana. Arnold Neboth doubled the lead for his side at the 25th minute, but two quick goals scored by Arrows equalised the match: Walter Dapelebo at the 32th minute and Joe Luwi at the 34th with a penalty made it 2-2. Still in the first half Arrows was able to complete and unlikely comeback thanks to a goal scored by Allen Aubo.

What seemed to be the first victory of Temotu Arrows was nearly confirmed when Joe Luwi scored his second at the 55th minute, but Arrows were going to suffer a comeback: Jaygay Sipakana reduced the margin at the 65th minute and just six minutes later the substitute Gersho Kituru leveled the scoreline.

A penalty already in the final minutes of the match allowed the striker Arnold Neboth to confirm the comeback and three points for Western Tomoko – a very thrilling match that ended up in a 5-4 win of the Westerners.

You can check the standings, full results and scorers of the Solomon Cup so far by visiting the session of the competition in our website!