Solomon Island National team has registered their second and final win following three friendly matches as part of their two weeks camp in Australia on Tuesday night.
The boys in green edged past a well determined Lions FC 4-2.
The Lions are the Queensland National Premier League (QNPL) two-time champions.
Goals from captain Micah Lea’alafa, Joses Nawo, Ali Mekawir and an own goal from the home team was enough to hand the Vega-Arango coached side their final victory of the three friendly matches played in Australia.
The National team in a statement released after the match described the final friendly on Tuesday night as a morale booster for the team.
“The lads ended the Australia training camp with a confident win against NPL champions Lions FC at the Lions Stadium.
“A thrilling encounter as the Solomon Islands earned a morale booster result ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 OFC qualifiers in this month.
“Thank you, Lions FC, for giving us a worthy playing time and valuable experience heading into the qualifiers.
“Thanks for hosting us as well. All the best to the Queensland NPL season.” the statement reads.
The Lions described the match as a tough battle as they were impressively beaten by the visitors.
“Despite fighting hard to battle from two goals down, we were beaten by an impressive Solomon Islands side who are challenging for a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“Some impressive players were in the visitors side where the home side is certainly worth a look at after the match,” the Lions FC said.
The national team have completed their three friendly matches scheduled for the two weeks camp in Australia and will leave for Qatar today.
“After playing our final friendly on (Tuesday) against the Queensland two-time champions Lions FC, a final light session was done yesterday before our travel for the world cup qualifiers in Qatar, “coach Felipe Vega-Arango said.
The national team registered two wins and one lose in their three friendly matches in Australia.
The team beat Brisbane Roar Youth team 1-0 on their first friendly match, followed by a 2-1 loss to QPL1 side Cabooltures SFC and a final 4-2 win against Lions FC to wrap up the three friendly matches scheduled for the two weeks camp in Australia.
Meanwhile, the team will take on the Cook Islands in the opening match of the tournament on March 17.
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
