The Solomon Islands have secured their spot in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 semi-finals after a 3-0 victory against Fiji in Apia.
The match was crucial as a victory would secure their spot in the semi-finals.
The first shot was taken by James Laena, who was one-on-one with Fiji’s Illisoni Koro. However, the ball bobbled as he went to shoot, sailing over the crossbar.
Jayroll Patty’s shot from the 18-yard box took a deflection, forcing Koro into a save. Laena failed to hit the target again.
Fiji’s first shot on target came in the 21st minute, but the Solomon Islands’ dominance paid off when they were given a free kick on the edge of the box, which Billy Afi tucked beautifully into the bottom corner.
The Solomon Islands then scored a well-deserved second goal, with Jimson Abana’s header floating over Koro into the back of the net.
Humid conditions slowed the match down in the second period, but substitute Eparama Moraica’s aerial shot sealed the match in the 83rd minute.
The Solomon Islands have a final group stage assignment on Thursday when they meet Tahiti, and Fiji will need to nurse their wounds with their final match against Vanuatu, who are still in with a chance of making the final four.
Fiji: 0
Solomon Islands: 3 (Billy AFI 35’, Jimson ABANA 45+4’, 83′)
HT 2-0
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