Both teams, Fiji and Solomon Islands had narrow losses in their semifinal matches. Solomon Islands lost 3-2 to New Caledonia, while Fiji missed a penalty in the 1-0 loss to New Zealand.
The first half was high on intensity but low on chances created, with Fiji enjoying the bulk of possession but struggling to convert it into clear-cut chances.
William Khan had the best opportunity of the opening period. Still, his back post header from a free-kick was too high to trouble George Harrison Rioa in the Solomon Islands goal.
The second half made up for the first, with two goals inside the opening nine minutes. Paul Francis, who came off the bench at half-time, opened the scoring for Solomon Islands, curling a low free-kick from just outside the area around the wall.
However, Fiji scrod from the penalty spot, with Captain Penisoni Tirau bundled in the box and William Khan confidently tucking home into the corner.
Francis capitalized on a defensive mistake in the Fiji backline and tucked the ball past Koro to re-establish his side’s lead.
A crucial third for the Solomon Islands arrived in the 83rd minute, with James Laena breaking down the right-hand side and squaring for Besa Zopoa to tuck into the empty net.
Fiji pulled one back late, but Solomon Islands added a fourth in stoppage time, with Paul Francis taking advantage of a referee advantage to complete his hat-trick.
Solomon Islands: 4 (Paul FRANCIS 48’, 65′, 90+3′, Besa ZOPOA 83′)
Fiji: 2 (William KHAN (P) 53’, Own Goal 88′)
HT: 0-0
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