Photo Caption: Solomon Islands celebrating one of their goals. Photo: OFC via Tonga FA
Solomon Islands Under 16 Boys are on a cruising start in their OFC Men’s U16 Championship – Qualifying 2024 with a commanding 14-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in Tonga.
The boys proved dominant from kick-off applying their attacking prowess and threatening the PNG defence with an opening goal in the fifth minute of play – Ashley Kwaimasia opening the goal galore.
Steady right flanker, Jimmy Loben capitalized on his initial attempt to extend the lead. The Solomon Islands again were exceptional in possession throughout.
Patty Kenimoi got the third following several powerful runs down the left wing and found himself on the scoresheet in the 15’ minute of play. Kwaimasia added his brace with a chip shot past the PNG goalkeeper making it 4-0.
Attacking midfielder Calvin Wane slotted a powerful strike for a comfortable 5-0 lead before the break.
Back for the second spell, PNG then conceded an early penalty on Solomon Islands mesmerizing Kenimoi for captain Kennedy Sihiu to convert from the spot calmly for a 6-0 margin.
Sihiu’s classy control and thorough passes from the centre caught the PNG defenders off guard – the captain led by example and hammered a top finish for his second goal to make it 7-0.
Solomon Islands’ pace and calm continued to dominate PNG and in a matter of minutes, the score was 10-0 and Kwaimasia completed his hat-trick.
Late substitute, Kenton Feni got his first goal only 3 minutes onto the pitch, Kenimoi then extended the lead with his third and fourth goal of the match before Feni again showed fashion with a sublime finish to register Solomon Islands first big win in the qualifying campaign.
Solomon Island’s next match will be against host, Tong on Tuesday 16th April at 1:00 pm (Local Time).
FULL-TIME| PNG 0-14 SOLOMON ISLANDS
-SIFF Media
