Solomon Islands Bilikiki team went down to Fiji 5-6 on penalties following a 2-all draw after regular time but are certain of a repeat of last year’s title decider when they take on Tahiti this Saturday in the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2024.
Bilikiki finished second in the group with three points.
It started brightly for the home side when Max Fa’ari opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute, curling in a stunning left-footed strike from a tight angle. However, the anticipated dominance was turned into a tense and closely contested affair.
The second period mirrored the first, with few clear opportunities and a lack of accuracy from long-range efforts, before Fiji capitalized leveling 1-1 in the second period.
Joses Nawo almost restored the lead for the Solomon Islands, but his shot was narrowly off target. Moments later, Fiji was awarded a penalty but was denied by the post.
With just eight minutes remaining, Thomas Amasia stepped up and converted a penalty to give the Solomon Islands a 2-1 lead, however, Fiji responded swiftly to force extra time.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in the three-minute extra-time period, and for the first time in the tournament, the match went to penalties. In a dramatic shootout that extended into sudden death, it was Fiji who held their nerve, prevailing 6-5 to end their group stage on a high note.
Bilikiki coach, James Naka said he did not expect such a performance from his men after their convincing win over PNG on Match Day 2.
“We did not execute what is expected and I don’t know what went wrong, but the good side is we still qualify for the final which is far more important when we build from here,” Naka told the media.
“Regroup and work on our mistakes and be ready for Saturday.
Naka added that it’s all about football at the end of the day where sometimes it’s costly when the results don’t turn out well.
Bilikiki now have a chance to avenge their 9-10 to the reigning Tiki Toa when the sides meet in the final again and Fiji will face PNG in the playoff for third place.
