Solomon Islands have beaten Fiji for the first time away in Lautoka and ended a 12-year drought against the Melanesian rivals thanks to a brace from Gagame Feni in the final match of the Tri-Nations international friendlies in Lautoka, Fiji.
Head coach Felipe Vega-Arango stuck with an unchanged lineup fielded in the win over Vanuatu on matchday two as veteran Joses Nawo wears the captain’s armband and recalled Feni tasked with the number 9 role.
Fiji started the match on the front foot with some early chances, but Solomon Islands goalkeeper Felipe Mango was equaled to the task.
After the first 20 minutes, Solomon Islands grow into the game to use their counter-attacking flair which leads to the opening goal as Alvin Hou’s flicks in the box hit a Fijian player’s hand for a penalty.
Feni made no mistake from the spot to put Solomon Islands in front and returned to the sheds in the lead with a narrow 1-0 deficit.
Solomon Islands started the second half with the same level of intensity and produced one of the goals of the series with a well-worked goal which Feni slots home outside the box to make it 2-0.
The win ends Solomon Islands March international friendlies with 3 wins and two clean sheets against Vanuatu and Fiji.
It is a step in the right direction as Solomon Islands continue to prepare for the goal of winning the gold medal at the Pacific Games on home soil in November 2023.
Solomon Islands is confirmed to play in the June window against Malaysia and negotiation is still on for another match against an Asian team.
Tri-Nations International Friendlies results
Fiji U20 1-4 Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands 2-0 Vanuatu
Fiji 0-2 Solomon Islands
