Malaita beat Guadalcanal 1-0 to book a third successive final in the Solomon Cup against Makira Ulawa who come from behind to beat Renbel 4-3 in the second semi-final at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The first semi-final was a closely contested encounter as Malaita and Guadalcanal couldn’t be separated in the first half despite Malaita having a fair share of ball possession.
Malaita picked up where they left off and continue to dominate the game with their trademark passing game.
The breakthrough arrived just two minutes after the hour mark as David Lulu finished off a team effort.
Guadalcanal went close later in the game but the second assistant referee deemed the ball didn’t cross the goal line.
Malaita holds on to secure a third consecutive appearance in the final of the Solomon Cup having played in the 2017 and 2020 editions.
Terry Oiaka will lead the Eagles into his third grand-final appearance and said his boys were lucky to win a difficult game.
“I think it was a hard game for both teams as tiredness is creeping in but I am happy with my players for their effort,” he said.
“We are happy with the effort so far but we need to win the last match to keep this going.
“All the finals are different as we won one and lost the second, I believe preparation is the key to do well in the final.”
The second semi-final sees underdog Renbel remarkable run in the tournament put to the test against Group B leader Makira Ulawa.
Renbel stunned Makira Ulawa with two quick goals by captain Timo Sanga and could have extended their lead in the first half wasting four to five chances.
Both teams went into the sheds at the break with a 2-0 lead for Renbel.
Lavinster Puia extended Renbel lead with a stunning finish at 51 minutes to put one foot into the final.
Makira Ulawa with their never gives up attitude regrouped to start a remarkable comeback with two quick goals from super sub Levis Ngauworo before Paul Waisi draws level unleashing a long-range outside the box.
Renbel pressed the panic button to concede a late goal at the 90-minute mark as Ngauworo completes his hat-trick with a sucker punch to seal a grand final with Malaita.
Makira Ulawa coach Richard Mama lauds his players for their fighting spirit to seize victory from the jaws of defeat.
“I want to thank my boys for regrouping in the second half to execute our game plan,” he said.
“We have a mixture of old and new boys but to make it into the final is a new experience and achievement for everyone.”
Tomorrow is a rest day before the finals on Saturday as Guadalcanal takes on Renbel in the third/fourth play-off at 12:00 and Malaita battles with Makira Ulawa in the grand finale at 15:00 at Lawson Tama Stadium.
