Kossa FC Come From Behind to Beat Marist FC 2-1 in Telekom S-League

Kossa FC produced a composed away performance to defeat Marist FC 2-1 in the Solomon Islands Telekom S-League on Saturday, 10 October 2026 at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. Marist struck first through an energetic opening spell, but Kossa responded with two unanswered goals to take all three points and strengthen their position in the league standings.

The early kick-off began with Marist looking to use the home crowd and the familiar surroundings of Lawson Tama Stadium to their advantage. The hosts pressed high, moved the ball quickly down the flanks and asked questions of the Kossa back line. Kossa, however, stayed compact, absorbed the pressure and gradually turned the contest into a battle of midfield control. By the final whistle, the visitors had done enough to secure one of the more valuable road wins of their campaign.

Match Overview

Marist FC started the brighter of the two sides and were rewarded for their intent when they opened the scoring in the first half. The goal gave the Honiara club confidence, and for a period they looked capable of taking control of the match. Kossa’s response was measured rather than frantic. The visitors began to win more second balls in the middle third, pushed their full-backs higher and created overloads that forced Marist to defend deeper.

The equaliser arrived before half-time and changed the mood of the game. From that point, Kossa looked the more settled team, stringing together longer passing sequences and limiting Marist’s best attacking players to half-chances. The second half followed a similar pattern: Marist showed flashes of danger on the counter, but Kossa’s structure and composure proved decisive.

Key Moments

• 17th minute – Marist FC take the lead: Junior Mae latched onto a quick pass in behind the Kossa defence and finished calmly to send the home supporters into celebration. It was a sharp, direct move that reflected Marist’s positive start.
• 38th minute – Kossa FC equalise: Davidson Sale drove forward from midfield and struck a low effort beyond the Marist goalkeeper after a well-worked passing sequence. The goal arrived at an ideal time for Kossa and gave them momentum before the interval.
• 66th minute – Kossa FC complete the turnaround: Substitute Alfred Rofeta made an immediate impact, arriving at the back post to convert a cross from the right. Rofeta’s fresh legs and penalty-box instincts gave Kossa the lead for the first time in the match.
• 84th minute – Marist FC push for an equaliser: Marist threw players forward and forced Kossa goalkeeper Phillip Maelaua into a strong save. The rebound was cleared away under pressure as Kossa protected their narrow advantage.
• 90+3 minutes – Kossa see it out: Kossa kept possession near the corner flags and dealt with a final Marist delivery into the box, sealing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Tactical Story

Kossa FC’s comeback was built on midfield discipline and intelligent use of width. After conceding early, the visitors adjusted their pressing triggers, allowing Marist’s centre-backs to have the ball while cutting off passes into the central attacking areas. Davidson Sale and Michael Feni grew into the game, winning loose balls and linking defence with attack. That control allowed Kossa’s wide players to push higher and deliver crosses into dangerous areas.

Marist FC’s best moments came when they attacked quickly after turnovers. Junior Mae was a constant threat with his movement, and the home side’s wingers caused problems when they isolated their markers. However, as the match wore on, Marist struggled to sustain possession, and their final ball lacked the precision needed to break down a Kossa defence that became more resolute with every minute.

The decisive tactical shift came when Kossa introduced Alfred Rofeta. His runs into the box stretched Marist’s back line and gave Kossa a different attacking option. The winning goal came from exactly that kind of movement: a wide delivery, a late run and a composed finish. It was a reward for Kossa’s patience and game management.

Standout Players

• Davidson Sale (Kossa FC): The midfielder was central to Kossa’s comeback. His equalising goal was the turning point, and his ability to carry the ball through pressure gave his team a platform in the second half.
• Alfred Rofeta (Kossa FC): The substitute changed the game. His match-winning goal highlighted his sharp movement in the penalty area and his ability to make an impact from the bench.
• Phillip Maelaua (Kossa FC): The goalkeeper made a crucial late save with Marist pushing for an equaliser. His handling and command