Kooline and Marist will decide who qualifies for the OFC Futsal Champions League on the final matchday on Saturday at Multipurpose Hall in Honiara.
Leaders Kooline narrowly defeated a gallant Koloale side in the midweek clash on Wednesday with a 4-3 margin to go top of the standings while Marist edge past Indo-Solo 3-1 to equaled Kooline’s lead with 18 points.
With a single round to go, both teams are likely to finish the league tied on points and the goal differential rule will come to effect.
Kooline coach Stanley Puiarana is optimistic his lads are in the driving to get the job done.
“We were so close to experience a second defeat against Koloale on Wednesday but credit to my boys who dag deep to earn a victory to keep our hopes alive,” he said.
“The last match for us will be crucial to see if we will win the league since Marist is also in the race.”
Puiarana and company will need to beat bottom three side Joma FC with a huge margin to stand a chance of winning the league.
“The boys know what we need to do against Joma in order to win the league despite whatever the result between Marist and Mataks in both team’s final fixture.
“We just to need to score more goals against Joma and hope Marist could only beat Mataks with a small margin,” Puiarana said.
Like Kooline, defending champions Marist are still in the hunt of winning the league heading into the deciding clash with a robust Mataks side on Saturday.
Marist captain Elliot Ragomo is adamant there is a chance for reclaiming the title despite a strong challenge from rivals Kooline.
“Marist chance of winning the league will be decided on Saturday which depends on Kooline’s result and our result which matter of points and goals will decide,” the inspiration skipper stated.
“Mataks is a quality team, our main aim and goal is to be very competitive, play fairly and get a good result.”
The 2019 SIPA Futsal League final encounters are set for Saturday at Multipurpose Hall in Honiara.
Saturday July 20, 2019 fixtures:
Koloale vs The Saints 12:00
Joma FC vs Kooline 13:00
Indo-Solo vs Island Brothers 14:00
Mataks vs Marist 15:00
