First Fiji – SI friendly ends one all
Solomon Islands ended their first friendly match against Fiji with a 1-1 draw at the ANZ Stadium, Suva Fiji last night.
Fiji got off to a good start taking the lead with the opening goal.
Solomon Islands hit back minutes later through a penalty shot from Auckland City and sensational Futsal player Micah Lea____alafa who saved Solomon Islands from a loss to equalize with Fiji in their first International friendly last night day.
The boys have to fight back to find the equalizer after Fiji make their lead.
Solomon Islands got three clear chances but fail to utilize their chances.
The early hope for Solo to find the opener came when they were awarded with a penalty shot but Benjamin Totori just place the ball right on to Fiji goal keeper to defend.
Both team showcased a fair play and went 1-1 all draw at half time.
Both sides returned in the second half with more chances yet neither could extend their lead.
The battle raged on with Solomon Islands having more ball possession and a handful of scoring chances but could not find the winning goal.
Solomon Island pulled up their forces but fielded fresh leg in the like of James Naka and Henry Fa____arodo Jnr.
On several occasions Solomon got chances from James Naka and Waroi but their shots was well taken by Fiji goal keeper.
Both coaches from Fiji and Solomon highlighted that winning games is not what counts.
Solomon Islands technical director and acting national team coach Felipe Vega-Arango is not concerned about the scores of the two encounters, focusing on developing combinations in his team and getting an idea of their ability against other national teams in the region.
“The most important thing for me in the friendly matches is not about the score, it is the team’s chemistry.
“It is good because we will be able to see the stage of the team and see how the players respond on the pitch,” he told Star Sports prior to their departure to Fiji.
A good number of supporters comprising of locals working and studying in Suva turned up to watch and support the boys.
The second friendly match will now to Lautoka this weekend.
By CARLOS ARUAFU &
CHARLES KADAMANA in Suva
