POSITIVE Covid-19 swab tests on three Solomon Islands National football squad members have forced them to miss the grand-final against New Zealand at the OFC World Cup Qualifiers in Qatar, early Friday.
Coach Felipe Vega-Arongo’s number one choice defender, Javin Wae, William Komasi and Ronnie Mani had tested positive with the virus, hours before their clash against the All Whites.
This was confirmed by the coach before announcing his side’s starting 11.
Their absence has seen two changes in the squad’s first-11, with Leon Kofana stepping in for Wae and Molis Junior Gagame replacing Komasi.
Alvin Hou who was earlier reported to be unfit for the finals also made himself available.
Hou was nursing an injury after their clash with Papua New Guinea (PNG) early this week was in Coach Felipe’s starting-11.
However, he was replaced in the first half by young star Adrian Mara.
During yesterday’s final, it was evident that the squad surely missed the services of Wae, Komasi, and Hou.
After nearly 100 minutes of play, the All Whites proved itself as the better side, scoring 5 unanswered goals against the Solomon Islands.
By FLOYD TERRY
Newsroom, Honiara
