A 13th minute goal by Fiji’s captain Roy Krishna was enough for the host to get away with a win on Thursday night in Suva against the country’s national football side.
Krishna scored the only goal from a defensive blunder where the two defenders could not get hold a well-placed high ball.
The ball was picked up by Krishna who then slotted the low ball past Philip Mango to take the lead. It was celebration for the host side.
The first half saw Fiji in control of the match leaving the Solomon’s defence hard at work.
The Josh Smith led side got an advantage after Fiji was playing with only ten players after one of its players Aprosa Yada copped a direct red card in the 39th minute of the first half.
However, the Solomon Islands failed to utilise their number strength to contain the pressure and overcame the Bula Boys.
The Solomons had a number of good chances and set pieces.
However, poor finishing had denied them from registering a goal.
After the breather, the Solomon Islands made a number of changes.
With the fresh bloods coming into the field in the likes of John Orobulu, Don Keana and Ali Mekiwir, the match dominated by the Solomons in the dying minutes.
The Fijians despite a man down, continued to pose a threat to the Solomons defence.
The Bula Boys had a number of chances in the dying minutes through corner kicks.
Fiji captain again had clear chance when he pushed a low ball past Philip Mango which misses the near post.
The Solomons appeared to have dominated the second half by controlling the match within the Fijian territory.
Raphael Le’ai also had a clear chance in the dying stages of the match but lack of communication had resulted in a poor finishing.
Solomons players recorded a number of yellow cards during the match.
The win means has Fiji secured three crucial points at the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers.
Not only that but the win had delighted the home crowd as they kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory.
The Solomons National Team in a statement after after the match said, “Hard luck in our first outing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Oceania Qualifiers as a resolute 10-man Fiji held on to their advantage at full time.”
Solomon Islands will play New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) next month in Port Moresby.
A good number of Solomon Islands community in Suva, turned up to watch the match.
Most of them were disappointed with the result.
Some fans are hoping the side will work on its two remaining games to ensure they win them.
