A DISAPPOINTING start for Solomon Islands national football team as host Fiji overpowers them in the first of the two friendly matches last night at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
Reports said, the local boys went down by a goal through a late penalty following a foul infront of the goal mouth.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) said, a lone penalty goal made the difference in an intense encounter as the host won the Tri-Nations International Friendlies opening match in Suva.
Both teams had their share of chances in the first half which ended in a nil-all.
Both teams returned with much strength after the breather and played an attacking game to penetrate each other’s territory.
And it paid off for Fiji after a late tackle by goalkeeper Philip Mango has resulted in the penalty being awarded.
And it was Tevita Waranivalu who scored the only goal in the 81st minute from the penalty spot to put Fiji ahead of Solomon Islands ten minutes before full time.
Solomon Islands on the other hand had a number chances but failed to capitalised on the opportunities to score.
A local supporter who watched the match last night said, a scramble for the ball following a quick counter by Fiji saw a foul committed by Mango which resulted in the penalty.
He said, Fiji had a goal disallowed for off-side, earlier in second half.
Goalkeeper Mango sustained an injury during the tussle for ball and was also substituted.
He said, the boys were able to play a more controlled in the second half, able to settle and string together passes.
“Fiji had a consistent game throughout.
“But the Solomon boys did well. Fiji made use of their chances and won,” the local supporter said.
He added, the boys need to step up in their next game.
A statement from the Solomon Islands National Team said, the host capitalized from the spot kick to win the Tri-Nations International Friendlies opener.
The boys despite the defeat have vowed to come back stronger in their second and final friendly against Hong Kong this Thursday evening.
“We will come back against Hong Kong on Thursday,” the team said last night assuring all its supporters to do their best.
Solomon Islands new head coach Josh Smith only joined the team in Suva on Sunday and has observed the players during the first friendly.
Prior to the match last night, the Bula Boys Captain Akuila Mataisuva has expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, emphasizing the effective blend of young talents and seasoned players within the squad.
Mataisuva said that the team’s preparations have been robust, and there is a palpable sense of excitement among the players as they anticipate the match against their Pacific neighbors.
He also stressed the importance of the clash, particularly as both teams are gearing up for the FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers next month.
Fiji will play its final friendly match against Hong Kong on Sunday at Lautoka.
There was a good turnout of Solomon Islands Community in Suva who witnessed the match last night.
Despite the loss, supporters have acknowledged the boys for putting on a good fight.
Most of the supporters are looking forward for the next match against Hong Kong.
