MALAITA Kingz handed a major blow to Henderson Eels’ OFC Champions League ambition with a 4-3 win on Wednesday in the Telekom S-League midweek clash at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Eels who had the chance to leapfrog KOSSA in second place with a win started the match slowly as they conceded an early goal from Michael Foster in the opening 5 minutes.
The result means KOSSA still remain in second place with 21 points one points ahead of Eels in third spot.
A game dominated by Kapuls import from both Kingz and Eels saw inform striker Tommy Semmy extended Kingz lead with a cute finish half way through the second half.
Former Solomon Islands Alick Maemae lost his temper with a lunge on Jacob Sabua another PNG player.
Maemae received his marching orders to hand the numerical advantage to Kingz.
Eels PNG signing Raymond Gundemba reduced the deficit in added time of the first half with a smart header.
Both teams went into the dressing room with a 2-1 score line in favour of Kingz.
Lesley Kengava and Semmy scored a goal apiece in the second half to restore Kingz lead.
Clifton Aumae started an unlikely comeback with a goal just before Foster was sent off in reaction for a reckless tackle by Tutizama Tanito on Sabua.
Tanito’s late penalty in injury time proved to be a consolation as Kingz walked away with another massive victory.
Kingz coach Rence Talo said his boys played a good game against a tough side.
“My boys played really good today in both halves against one of the top team in the league.
“They deserved the result since we went into the game determined to grab all three points.
“We are aiming to finish our TSL season better than our previous standing and the win today is very crucial,” Talo said.
Henderson Eels need maximum points in their fixture with KOSSA this weekend to keep their hope of qualifying for the O-League alive.
By SIMON ABANA
