GIZO United has been crowned the 2024 Western Cup champion after beating the young West Marovo side by a goal in the grand final played Tuesday at the Western provincial capital of Gizo.
They walked away with $15, 000 cash, gold medals and the main trophy.
West Marovo received $10, 000 cash, silver and a trophy.
Gizo Town last won the cup in 2000. Winning the cup this time around after a long spell, they have regained the pride to keep the cup as the host.
The favourable weather condition on Tuesday has allowed the nail-biting show down to proceed much to the excitement of the fans and spectators.
The finale was the much-anticipated match after nearly four weeks of competition.
In the losers final West Gizo claimed the third after beating Central Roviana 4-2 on penalty shoot-out. They also received their share of prize money.
For Gizo United and West Marovo it had been a long journey for both sides to finally reach the end and came face to face.
Both teams have proved themselves as the ‘teams to watch’ throughout the competition.
The tournament commenced on Monday July 8 to mark the country’s 46th Independence.
Due to bad weather along with other technical issues, the flow of all scheduled games were disrupted from time to time.
JFK Stadium is the only stadium in Gizo. So when its raining, playing condition was poor.
Yesterday the stadium was packed to its maximum.
The final showdown was an intense battle for both sides as supporters and fans cheer for their teams.
Gizo United has the advantage of the home crowd who were cheering and shouting from the top of their voice throughout the match.
West Marovo on the other hand is made up of a very young side mostly students.
Majority of them are from the small island of Buinitusu with few players from Vakambo.
Throughout the final the boys managed to maintain calmness and played according to their game plan.
Gizo United on the other hand played their hearts out knowing they have a huge number of fans and spectators to please.
There was good football work displayed by players from both sides.
Their forwards were working hard in the front to try and find the back of the net.
Their defense line were also working hard to seal off any penetration from their opposing strikers.
The match was dubbed as very intense but entertaining given the high level of skills being displayed.
In the end its Gizo United that managed to secure a lone and winning goal thanks to Jared Fomani who scored in 37th minute.
JFK stadium erupted in jubilation when the goal was scored.
Despite a hard fought second half, Gizo United maintained its lead until the end.
There was much celebration after the final whistle went as fans came out in numbers to congratulate the players.
Marovo never won the cup since the start of the Western Cup in 1995.
And reaching the final has been remarkable for West Marovo.
Their supporters said, it was a huge achievement for the young lads.
Two awards’ the Golden boot and Golden glove went to West Marovo.
Presentation concluded the competition yesterday.
Our Telekom is the main sponsor of the competition.
