BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
GUADALCANAL Hornets have secured their semi-final spot in the Youth U-16 Solomon Cup after defeating Temotu 1-0 today.
The Hornets will take on Honiara (Runner up of Pool 😎 in the semi-final match scheduled to kick off on Wednesday 7 July DC Park in East Honiara.
16-year old Tony Emmanuel put Hornets into the semi with his only goal against Temotu arrows during the first quarter-final at the DC Park in East Honiara.
Hornet head coach Jackson thanked his boys for their victory despite a player being red-carded which forced the team to play only with 10 players on the pitch.
“First of all, I want to thank the boys for their character for the play despite one man down. A very difficult game for us because of our red card, so it’s very difficult.
“But at the end, our boys have stick to our game plan at halftime especially to press narrow and remain compact and defense is the priority, so all and all I thank the boys for the good character,” Jackson Namo told Raw Sport.
Namo described football as an unpredictable game.
“Of course different games different situations, football is unpredictable but looking at this age group, whoever can stay focus and discipline can go up,” he said.
Goalscorer, Tony Emmanuel from the Barana community reiterated to Raw Sport that he was happy to secure a victory goal despite a tough match encounter against a top team in the competition.
“We know that this game would be tough but it’s our work to work something out to secure our semi-final,” said Emmanuel, a grade six student at Gufu Primary School, North East Guadalcanal.
Meanwhile, Temotu Arrow Head Coach, Samuel Newman blamed their defeat on a poor attacking and awkward defending against the Hornets.
“We have to accept the defeat, however, I need to address our weakness and look into the bright side to prepare our team in future tournaments,” Samuel Newman told Raw Sport.
He further added that there are situation, example fouls that referees could not award it in the games but it is important that as players you have to manage yourself in such situations. It’s a game, you have to be attacked, or fouled.
“All and all I am happy with their game and performance,” 26 years-old Newman said.
