But the Reds came out on the wrong side of the scoreline, going down 3-2 at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The match was planned as a means of extending the friendship between the two clubs but also had the aim of preparing Amicale for the first leg of the O-League grand final, which takes place at PVL Stadium in Port Vila on April 2.
The inaugural Namson Tran Cup was up for grabs and the game was an entertaining spectacle, filled with action from start to finish. Amicale began brightly with efforts on goal from talismen Alick Maemae and Fenedy Masauvakalo before Stanley Waita put them in front in the ninth minute, hitting home a rebound off Kossa goalkeeper Severino Aefi.
But Kossa were on level terms just eight minutes later when some fancy footwork from Micah Lea’alafa gave him space to cross to advancing striker Clifford Wate, who tucked the ball away with his head.
Amicale had two chances to regain the lead before the halftime break through Masauvakalo and Lenson Bisili but couldn’t take advantage and it was Kossa who managed to get their noses in front.
Lea’alafa pinched the ball off the Amicale defence before embarking on a run and sending the ball past goalkeeper Ernest Bong to make it 2-1.
The second half was as action-packed as the first with Lea’alafa going for goal straight after the restart but his powerful shot curled away to the left.
Amicale also lifted their intensity as they searched for the equaliser, Masauvakalo and Waita in particular pressing hard, but Aefi was having a fine day between the sticks and kept out their efforts.
Kossa extended their lead further in the 55th minute when substitute Frazer Maebule rose to meet a Seni Ngava corner and his header made it through a crowd of Amicale defenders to find the net and make it 3-1 in favour of the home side.
By the hour mark, Amicale were under increasing pressure to salvage something from the game and their forwards managed to break through the Kossa backline but couldn’t find a finishing touch.
Moffat Deramoa had a good chance to reduce the deficit in the 75th minute when he picked up a long pass and beat two Kossa defenders but his last touch went too far and Aefi came racing out to gather.
Amicale’s final opportunity arrived in the last minute when Mostyn Sanga was brought down by substitute goalkeeper Samson Koti and a penalty was awarded. Kidston Billy made no mistake from the spot to bring the fulltime score to 3-2.
After the game, a small ceremony was held during which the clubs exchanged gifts and the Namson Tran Cup was presented to Kossa.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb
Amicale fall to Kossa in friendly
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