Solomon Islands national men’s team stormed past American Samoa 11-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Sol2023 XVII Pacific Games.
The host nation becomes Group D winners with six (6) points and sets up a semi-final either between Fiji or Tahiti from Group C – that will be decided today (Friday) when French Polynesia takes on Northern Mariana.
John Orobulu was the star of the show netting five (5) goals, a personal record in the national colors for the Southern United front-man.
A Starting XI led by Gagame Feni was up by seven (7) goals in the opening period from perfect set-plays in attack and combination between the likes of Molea Tigi and Bobby Leslie who both also got on the scoreboard.
“I’m happy,” said head coach Felipe Vega-Arango.
“We played according to our plan, but we won’t be complacent we need to recover and start focusing on our next opponent going forward.
He adds that now both feet are in the semi-final it will be crucial in terms of their preparations – a step closer to the medals podium.
“This is our chance to prove at home and it will be one of the most important matches for us.
For the Sol2023 Pacific Games, Men’s Football New Caledonia and Vanuatu also made it to the knockouts.
-SIFF Media
