Lautoka arrives in Honiara

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Lautoka players boarding the team bus after arriving at the Henderson Airport on Tuesday

FIJIAN soccer champions Lautoka has arrived in Honiara on Tuesday afternoon.

Lautoka is here to play Marist in the return leg of the Oceania Champions League semi-final.

The second leg is scheduled for this Sunday 3pm at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Lautoka hosted Marist for the first leg last Sunday at Churchill Park and both sides drew one-all.

Davidson Tome scored in the first half to put Marist infront before a header from veteran Fijian striker Osea Vakatalesau four minutes into second half levelled the scoreline to one-all.

The second leg this Sunday is a crucial one for both teams. However, Marist now holds a slight advantage as they only need a scoreless draw to qualify for the final.

Lautoka has promised to work on improving their finishing before this weekend’s contest.

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said they would beef up their attack with the likes of Rory Chettleburgh, Benjamin Totori and Osea Vakatalesau.

“We will try to contain Marist FC as they are good in building up from the middle,” he said.

“Of course it will be an uphill battle as it is their home ground. Anything can happen, home advantage is not an issue if we play football we can beat them. We will have to change the line-up and see how it goes.”

The Blues will be without striker Samuela Drudru who copped a red card and is now serving a one- match suspension.

Marist FC head coach Jerry Allen said, losing first choice goalkeeper Anthony Talo is also not an issue with them in the second leg.

Talo landed heavily on his right foot in trying to tap away a cross after four minutes of play.

“We will work on a lot of things. We are not too worried but will get the right man for the spot,” he added.

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