The Solomon Islands national men’s football team lost 4-1 to Australia’s Sydney FC in their first friendly match last Sunday.
A lone goal from Solomon Warrior’s striker, Dennis Ifunaoa could not help the national side to beat the A-League powerhouse Sydney FC.
This is the first of three friendly matches the squad will play in the coming days.
The tour is in preparations for the upcoming Nations Cup competition, the first stage of the Oceania FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
This tour will help the coaching team to observe where the weaknesses of team and work on them before the start of the Nations Cup.
Speaking prior to their departure to Australia, assistant coach, Gideon Omokirio said that the team travels with an open mind and looks forward to the matches.
“We really want to use this trip as the stepping stone for our campaign later on this year so we want to be challenged and learn as much as we to strengthen our team.
“This is a mostly young team so this experience will be important for us,” Omokirio said.
They will play their second friendly against Bonnyrigg FC on Wednesday.
The final friendly match is against former Australia national soccer league champions, Marconi Stallions to be played February Sunday 7.
The tour is planned as part of preparations for the senior team for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup in June, 2016.
The players are: Benjamin Totori; Moffat Kilifa; Haddis Aengari Gagame; Matson Fenny; Dennis Ifunaoa; Fred Fakari; Allen Peter; Harrison Mala; Gibson Daudau; Tigi Molea; Jerry Lou Donga; James Do’oro; Timothy Bakale; Charlie Otainao; Gagame Feni; Abraham Maezama; Henry Fa’arodo; Judd Molea; Joses Nawo; Phillip Mango.
Late inclusions Richard Fono and Thomas Amasia did not make the trip due to visa reasons.
The team returns February 9.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
