Host Solomon Islands again came close to a gold medal podium finish going down fighting against all-time Pacific Games winners New Caledonia after a 2-all stalemate at full-time and decided on penalties 7-6 at the National Stadium.
New Caledonia head first early in the opening ten (10) minutes before John Orobulu responded. Again, well-structured from their build-up play Shene Welepane put the visitors ahead at the break 2-1.
In search of an equalizer, the Solomon Islands displayed some quality backed by the home crowd. It was Orobulu who extended his Golden Boot tally to eighteen (18) goals – right place at the right time on the receiving end from Raphael Le’ai assist.
A man-of-the-match performance from custodian Philip Mango denied New Caledonia to extend their lead, saving a penalty at the nick of full-time.
New Caledonia bagged its eighth (8) Gold Medal, Solomon Islands settled for its fourth (4) silver medal football, and Fiji for bronze.
The Solomon Islands women’s national team finished sixth (6) in their competition after going down narrowly to Vanuatu 2-1 in the 5th Place Play-off.
Full-Time
New Caledonia 2-2 Solomon Islands
Penalty Shootout
7-6
