Isabel Frigate U14 bows out in the Quarter final.

By John Kabu

The lsabel Frigate U14 could not snatch a spot in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout this morning against the Henderson Eels.

The game kicked off at the DC park regardless of the drizzle and wet ground. That does not hinder the game as both teams equally contested the spot in the semis.

Isabel Frigate with the usual orange coloured uniform dominated the first half of the game. A chance for goal should have sent the frigate to the semi final, as they missed two great opportunities.

Isabel no 9 jessy missed the first opportunity on the first half. He would have slotted the ball in as he had the goal keeper to beat unfortunately the ball tangled on his foot.

The boys in yellow had their share in the second half as they pressured lsabel frigate at their goalmouth.

It was a tough and equally contested match that could have ended either way.

Both sides created a series of scoring chances but were denied by their respective custodians, defenders or wasted as a result of the wet turf and of careless finishing.

After the full time, the two teams had goal less draw.

This was again another penalty shotout game decider for the frigate.

A successful spot kick from no.2 jessy of Eels punished lsabel captain Tony for missing the penalty shot for his team. Keeping the Eels dream of winning the spot for the semi final alive.

“We knew we had this in us, this team (Eels) had a lot of good confidence players and we done a really good job of blocking out this very determined side”, Isabel frigate coach Steve Kole said after the game.

Henderson Eels coach said he was happy with the result adding his boys played well.”I thanked the boys for their hardworking and for winning the game.”

Isabel Frigate hopes of progressing on for the semi final spot was now dismantled after a horrendous penalty decider.

The game ended with 3 goals to 2 in favor of Henderson Eels.

The Isabel Football Federation U-14 and U-16 squad is now at Honiara awaiting the tournerments opening.

This National U-14 and U-16 Championship is organised by SIFF for its affiliated member associates through out the country. However, since its inception, the championship went on and off due to contraints faced by the governerning body.

Prior to their arrivals, the IFA squads was critically debated. Mr. Knnet Oleeva, in one of his posts sighted in the IPYF facebook group page, pointed out that the current U-14 and U-16 selection squad lacks transparency and is biased. “From the list, the IFA president posted today, we could only see that only Bugotu Football League players are selected, but in Isabel, we have about a total of 16 wards.”

Frustrated Mr. Oleeva also argued that, ” a team that is not represented by the majority is not always got the moral support by the majority and it will always impact on the teams progress. We definitely lose our solidarity and support for our provincial football team.”

Fobo news media understand why the selection has to be based on the current squad, could possibly the dormant leagues in other wards, and the financial status of IFA to organize leagues and tournerments in the province. These could make it difficult for the selection to be fair and representative.

However, since the arrival of the squads last night. Few Isabel members in Honiara welcomed the young frigates and step up helping the team as they await for the tournerment to start.

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