Western United U16 women’s team is the 2015 champion of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) national women’s U16 soccer championship.
United confirmed their victory over Guadalcanal after 120 minutes of play at the SIFF Academy football field.
It was Rose Malefo who scored the winning goal after a 1-1 tie which saw the two teams enter the extra time session.
Guadalcanal got off to a good start breaking the deadlock five minutes from kick off an early scare for United.
After failing to score from inside the box Western United resorted to long ranging shooting which paid off when Joylyn Timo sent a long volley from outside the box past Guadalcanal’s custodian for the equalizer.
The first half ended with a 1-1 draw which remained for the whole second half despite a handful of scoring chances all wasted by either good defending or poor finishing from both sides.
The match continued on for the two more extra time that was when United found the winning goal slot home by Malefo.
United coach John Gagame said, he is impressed with his team’s performance.
“As coach I’m happy with the team’s performance, our hard work paid off.
“It’s our first time to come out and play in an organized competition like this and to win means a lot to us all.
“I would like to thank Guadalcanal for their participation and a good grand final match,” he said.
He added they will continue to team together and prepare for any upcoming competition.
Guadalcanal team captain Jessica Leua said, her team has put in everything in the game and they have no regrets.
“We lost but that does not mean it’s the end, we did our best.
“There were chances for us to come out victorious but we did not take it, United had theirs and they took it.
“We would like to thank the organizers, SIFF, our coach, supporters and all the teams for helping us throughout the competition.
“We look forward for future competitions,” she said.
United received $5000 cash prize, gold medals and the winning trophy while Guadalcanal received $3000 and silver medals, Malaita on third place with $2000 with bronze medals and Central Islands with $1000.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
