NZ Waitakere FC eyes Solomon's Kossa FC in O-League final

Waitakere United has confirmed the top spot in Group A with a 1-1 draw with Auckland this afternoon, to seal a final with Solomon Islands Kossa FC for a ticket to the FIFA world club championship in Japan 2008.

Waitakere didn’t take long to reply when Allen Pearce was brought down by Auckland goalkeeper Tamati Williams inside the box. Referee Norbert Hauata awarded a penalty and Pearce proceeded to step up and hammer the ball into the crossbar before it bounced back out. Hauata judged that the ball had crossed the goal line and Waitakere wheeled off in celebration.

Auckland pushed more numbers forward in the second half in search of the winner but couldn’t break down Waitakere’s solid defensive unit.

Auckland resorted to shooting from distance and did little to trouble Waitakere goalkeeper Richard Gillispie.

Solomons International Commins Menapi should have put the game out of reach for Auckland in the 66th minute when he rounded Williams only to hit his right footed shot wide.

The final whistle produced a huge grin from Waitakere coach Chris Milicich who can now start planning for a date with Solomon Island champions Kossa FC. Waitakere United will face Kossa FC in a two legged home and away final to determine who will travel to the FIFA Club World Cup – Japan 2008.

The final will be played on April 26 and May 3.

Source: OFC