SOLOMON Warriors FC has secured a spot again in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League after winning the second leg of the OFC champion play-offs at Lawson Tama yesterday.
They won 3-2 on aggregate after defeating close rival KOSS FC 2-1.
A stunning curling shot from striker Dennis Ifunaoa and crucial goal from Harrison Mala was enough to see Warriors returns to the OFC champion league.
But it was KOSSA who took the lead from Timothy Bakale’s goal 20 minutes into the match.
Warriors have to fight back from a goal down to claim the victory.
They hit back with the equalizer by Dennis Ifunaoa12 minutes later to make it 1-1 at half time.
Warriors winning goal came from Harrison Mala in the 64th minute.
Warriors then held on to the lead despite close attempts by KOSSA to level the score.
Warriors coach Franco Ne’e is impressed with the patience and consistency his team displayed.
“It was a tough battle and it was more of a tactical match.
“KOSSA with their never back down spirit gave us a good tough match but I think the boys deserve the win.
“We were a goal down but we continued to fight our way back to the top
“I thank the boys for sticking to the game plan we had.
“I would like to thank our fans as well for the ongoing support behind the team,” he said.
Qualifying for the OFC Champions League is another piece of history for Ne’e who recently led Warriors to win their seventh TSL title as coach.
Warriors focus now is on the OFC champion league.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
