Marist FC becomes the 2020 SIPA Futsal Championship winners after a hard-fought 7-4 victory against KF Gold in a thrilling final on Saturday 14 March at Multi-purpose Hall.
It was an end-to-end encounter as both teams exchange goals in the first half.
A sloppy clearance by KF Gold captain George Stevenson in the opening minutes gifted Junior Kasute’e to pounce by diverting the ball from close range.
Veteran pivot Jeffery Bule extended Marist’s lead after a quick counter-attack.
Hard running Eddie Hunihue persistent saw KF Gold pulled a goal back with an improvised finish from an awkward angle.
Both teams went into the sheds as Marist holds a slim 2-1 lead at the break.
KF Gold captain George Stevenson led by example to draw level with a fierce shot in the second half.
Sammy Osifelo forced the final into extra-time with a crucial goal a minute from the end of regular time.
Play of the tournament Ray again put Marist back into the lead only for Frankster Rukuman to rifle in KF’s fourth goal of the match.
Stevenson received his marching orders in the first period of extra-time to turn the match in favour of Marist who went on to score three unanswered goals.
Marist FC coach Jerry Sam gives credit to his lad’s for executing his game plan against a well-drilled KF side.
“First I want to thank the lord and credit goes to my boys for executing the game plan we have to counter KF Gold,” he said.
“Thank you also to KF for giving us a thrilling match but I believe at the end of the day our experience was the difference.
“We are so happy to win the championship after finishing second in the league last year.”
KF captain Stevenson rued his boys missed chances and lapse of centration in extra-time as the turning point the title decider.
“I think my boys did well against a very strong Marist team and I want to congratulate Marist for their victory,” he said.
“We played a good match until my red card which I think cost us the game. The boys couldn’t maintain the same level of confidence heading into extra-time.”
SIPA Futsal League and OFC Futsal Champions League champions Kooline defeated Mataks 8-4 to claim third place in the championship.
SIPA Futsal Championship 2020
Winners – Marist FC
1st Runners-up – KF Gold
2nd Runners-up – Kooline FC
3rd Runners-up – Mataks
Individual awards
Player of the tournament – Alvin Ray (Marist FC)
Coach of the tournament – Glen Buka (KF Gold)
Goalkeeper of the tournament – Paul Laki (Marist FC)
Fair Play award – The Saints
