In what is being hailed locally as one of the biggest upsets in Solomon Cup history, Guadalcanal fans witnessed their team outplay Honiara for a tough but deserved 1-0 win.
Guadalcanal’s winning goal came from Danny Rande in the 61st minute as he ran on to an excellent through ball and placed his shot calmly past the Honiara keeper.
Malaita had things much easier in their semifinal against Choiseul running away with that match 5-1.
Mailata striker Kidstone Billy got his side off to the perfect start with a goal inside of the opening two minutes.
He then backed that up with a powerful strike in the 24th minute and completed his hat-trick with Mailata’s fifth goal in the 65th minute.
Other scorers for the winners were George Lui and Batram Suri, while Dennis Ifunaoa scored Choiseul’s lone first half goal.
In the women’s Solomon Cup championship, 2008 title holders Malaita raised their game to out-class Isabel in their semifinal 2-0.
The defending champions scored both their goals in the first stanza, with Alice Billy opening their account on 22 minutes and Laydah Samani adding the second only three minutes after.
Malaita will be joined in the final by Western Province who also came away 2-0 winners from their semifinal against Guadalcanal.
Virginia Leve scored the first goal shortly before halftime and Marina Joe doubled their advantage on the hour mark.
Guadalcanal’s fondness for repeatedly attacking through the middle of the park failed to bear fruit against the well organised and athletic Western Province back four.
Solomon Cup Men’s Final
Saturday 28 November – Malaita v Guadalcanal
Solomon Cup Women’s Final
Friday 27 November – Malaita v Western Province
Courtesy of SIFF Media