LAUTOKA – Solomon Island champions Kossa FC have reached their first ever OFC O-League final after beating Ba today 4-2 at Churchill Park, Lautoka, in Fiji.
Kossa finish Group B on 8 points, three clear of Tafea FC and have earned a spot in a home and away final against either Waitakere United or Auckland City, depending on their Group A match this Wednesday.
It was the first time that Ba have ever been beaten on Fijian soil in an OFC O-League match and will create mass scenes of celebration throughout Honiara and the Solomon Islands.
Kossa got off to a flying start when Papua New Guinea International Reginald Davani slotted home in the twelfth minute to silence the 5,000 strong crowd. Ba pulled one back before half time through Avinesh Waran Suwamy and created and exciting and entertaining second half.
The joy for Ba was shortlived when Joe Luwi regained the lead for Kossa with a strike six minutes into the second half. Solomon Island international James Naka gave Kossa a two goal buffer in the 75th minute and effectively closed the door on Ba’s lingering OFC O-League final ambitions.
The Churchill Park pitch was heavy through the middle and both sides looked to exploit the width of the field to create their chances.
Josaia Bukalidi made one last push for Ba with a goal in the 84th minute but it wasn’t enough as Paul Wale made certain the result with a final goal in the 90th minute to make it 4-2.
Kossa will now closely monitor the final game of Group A between New Zealand clubs Auckland City and Waitakere United to determine who they will meet in the 2008 OFC O-League final.
Whoever they face their will be a strong Solomon Island presence in the final with Auckland City defender George Suri or Waitakere United duo Benjamin Totori and Commins Menapi likey to face their fellow countrymen.
2008 OFC O-LEAGUE
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Pts |
GD |
|
| Kossa FC (SOL) |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
4 |
8 |
+4 |
| Tafea FC (VAN) |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
| Ba (FIJ) |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
3 |
-4 |