Defending champions Solomon Islands Kurukuru made it three wins from top Group B after a hard-fouth 4-1 win against a gallant defensive Fijian side on Wednesday 30 October at the L’Arene Du Sud in Paita, New Caledonia.
Solomon Islands 3-1 Fiji
Determined to top Group B, defending champions Solomon Islands showed plenty of aggression pressing high from the outset but despite controlling the lion share of the possession the Kurukuru were unable to break down Fiji’s well organised and spirited defence.
The Fijians’ ability to absorb pressure provided them with growing confidence to create genuine scoring opportunities through Seteraki Hughes and Filipe Baravilala on the counter.
Mira Sahib’s game plan paid dividends as Shadil Dave gave Fiji a surprise lead but the Solomons responded almost immediately courtesy of Alvin Hou.
With just over a minute on the clock, James Egeta drove home to give Kurukuru a narrow advantage at the break.
With both sides still well and truly in the contest, the game has opened up in the second half with plenty of chances and goalmouth action at both ends.
However, with the two keepers in top form, neither side was able to convert their chances until Charlie Otainao finally broke through for the Kurukuru with little over three minutes on the clock.
Solomon Islands grabbed another after Samuel Osifelo chipped from his own goal-line over the head of Fiji keeper Mateisuva, who couldn’t prevent the ball from bouncing off him and into the net after rebounding off the post.
Kurukuru coach Vinicius Laite admitted his side had to work hard for the win.
“It seems like all the teams are parking the bus against us and that is creating us some difficulty, forcing us to shoot from mid or long-range but we are going to improve on that.,” he said.
“But it’s good that we are able to adapt to that defensive posture and we have put four past Fiji,”
“We are happy with the win, that what we came here for, whether we win 2-1 or 10-1 we get three points, we topped our group and we are ready for the semi-final,” added Laite.
Despite the defeat Fiji coach Mira Sahib was happy with his players’ effort.
“Although the results didn’t go our way, game by game the team has improved and that was the best game we have played in this tournament so far,” he said.
“Our team played really well against the Oceania champions, they were playing with their hearts out, it was encouraging to see,” Sahib added.
The Solomon Islands Kurukuru will take on hosts New Caledonia in the second semi-finals of the OFC Futsal Nations Cup.
Upcoming Matches
Following a rest day, the teams return to Arena du Sud on Friday 1 November for the 5th to 8th Place Play-Offs and the semi-finals.
SEMI-FINAL 2
SOLOMON ISLANDS vs NEW CALEDONIA
Friday, 1 November
Arena du Sud, Paita, New Caledonia
KO: 16:30 (local) LIVE STREAM: https://bit.ly/2otYJrg
#OFCFNC #SOLNCL
