KOSSA FC draws with 10-man Solomon Warriors in the first leg of the OFC Champions League National Play-offs at Lawson Tama in an equally contested encounter between the top teams in the country.
Boosted with several experience players and TSL top scorer, KOSSA FC come out firing in the opening exchange with the likes of captain Joses Nawo and Gagame Feni lead the front three.
TSL champions Solomon Warriors had more of the ball position as expected as KOSSA sit deep in a low block in the opening 20 minutes. With Harrison Mala and Tigi Molea went close twice as two scoring opportunities goes begging.
It was KOSSA FC who looked dangerous on the counterattack when in possession of the ball and talisman Feni latched on to a through ball to score the match opener and put KOSSA 1-0 at the break.
Solomon Warriors regroup in the second half in search for an equaliser which arrived in the 54th minute as defender Aengari Gagame heads home from a corner.
Both teams had some good scoring opportunities to grab a win but lack the finishing touch and had to settle for a draw heading into the crucial second leg on Tuesday 28 February at Lawson Tama.
KOSSA FC coach Eddie Marahare was pleased with the draw against the 7 time TSL champions.
“A very close game and I am happy about the result today at least a draw is good us we prepare for our second leg,” he said.
“One of the key positive about the game is our tactical approach to the game. Like I said, the draw today makes us feel confident playing against the champions because we could have gone away with maximum points today, but we are happy with the draw”.
His compatriot Franko Ne’e laments his side’s finishing but also happy with the result.
“Firstly, a tough match for us coming from one down and managing a draw at the end. Now we are looking forward to the next leg and recover well. There are few areas we need to improve on heading into the second leg,” he said.
The top two TSL teams have all to play for in the second leg of the OFC Champions League National Play-offs with a place in the centralised tournament in Vanuatu on offer.
