Solomon Islands remain unbeaten this year against Fiji, this time on home turf with a repeated 2-0 win at the Sol2023 XVII Pacific Games semi-final at Lawson Tama stadium today.
The Melanesian rivals met for the second time this year since March in the Tri-Nations International Friendlies.
Led out by influential Micah Lea’alafa the home side displayed some early surge upfront.
With John Orobulu in the starting front, the quick footer came close to opening the score when under pressure Fijian custodian Akuila Mateisuva was tripped from a back pass but Orobulu’s effort went wide.
Raphael Le’ai’s threatening runs resulted in numerous attempts on target – then it was in the 38th minute when he was pulled down in the 18-yard box and without hesitation, referee Norbert Hauata pointed to the spot.
Raphael converted from the spot kick sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to a grand celebration of a jam-packed Lawson Tama.
Head Coach Felipe Vega-Arango opted for some fresh legs early from the second-half kickoff, bringing in experienced Joses Nawo for Bobby Leslie.
The Fijians found their game rhythm not long after when a quick throw from goalkeeper Philip Mango saw unmarked Orobulu to swift a countering attack which forced Fijian defender Felipe Baravilala to tap him from the back and was booked for the second time, and shown the dressing room.
In search of an equalizer, the Fijians were determined, and with the introduction of towering Etonia Dogalau, he has been a real threat to the home backline.
Captain Lea’alafa then secured the win in the 82nd minute from Nawo’s impressive long-ball assist from halfway.
“We know it’s going to be tough. Fiji is a fantastic team they played extremely well but like I’ve always said if we have the best defense, we can win matches, and today we kept a clean sheet,” Felipe told reporters.
“Overall, everybody did well, and now I’m already thinking about the next match which is the final against New Caledonia. It’s an opportunity for the boys to make history because reaching this far can never happen every time and we are thankful.
Seven times Champions, New Caledonia edged out Vanuatu 1-0 in the day’s first semi-final and will take on the host this Saturday 2nd December at the National Stadium – a third time for Solomon Islands to reach the tournament’s decider in football.
-SIFF Media
