Solomon Islands edge past New Caledonia in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2022 to advance into the semi-finals ahead of the top of Group B clash against Fiji on Saturday 24th September 2022 in Port Vila, Fiji.
Coming into the match as the favourites, Solomon Islands put pressure on New Caledonia in the opening five minutes which nearly paid off as Alvin Hou and captain Micah Lea’alafa went close to opening the scoresheet.
Youngster Raphael Lea’i provided a brilliant assistant midway through the first half for Lea’alafa who beat two New Caledonia defenders only to skied his attempt on goal over the bar.
Lea’i moments later was sent through on goal and rounded the goalkeeper but his attempt from a tight angle was cleared off the line by an onrushing New Caledonia defender as Joses Nawo pounced for an easy tap in.
New Caledonia had more of the ball possession in the opening 45 minutes but could not find the breakthrough as both teams went back into the sheds with the game well poised.
Like the first half, Solomon Islands started the second half with the same intensity to break the deadlock thanks to a good run by Lea’i who finds Alvin Hou in the box to score the match-winner 47 minutes into the second half.
Solomon Islands had chances which fell to Lea’alafa, Lea’i and Nawo to extend the lead but brilliant goalkeeping and defending from New Caledonia denied them.
Head coach Felipe Vega-Arango was pleased with the win despite missing a good number of scoring chances.
“We knew we going to suffer a little and I think the boys did a good job at the end of the game it was a little tense we couldn’t complete any passes but in the first half we had a couple of clear chances, second half we had another couple of chances so if the score is 3-0 would be ok but I am happy with the win, I’m happy with the boys we take the first game out, three points and up to the next,” he said.
The Spaniard stressed that it is important to focus on Fiji which is a crucial match to decided the semi-final placings.
“Now the most important thing is the boys recovered well, that they eat well, rest well and practice tomorrow, Friday and thinking about Fiji which is not going to be easy, but my head is already thinking about Fiji,” Felipe Vega stated in his post-match interview.
He also would like to thank the support the national side received in Port Vila and thousands back home and abroad who are supporting the team in prayers and spirit.
The win against New Caledonia means Solomon Islands is on three points equal with Fiji who also beat New Caledonia in the first match leaving the Francophone side out and Solomon Islands and Fiji to decide who finish first and second for the semi-final fixtures.
Solomon Islands plays Fiji on Saturday 24th September 2022 at 15:00 in Port Vila at the Korman Stadium.
