The Solomon Islands U19 team will face New Caledonia in the second semi-final of the OFC Men’s U19 Championship 2024. The much-anticipated match will take place on Monday, July 15, at 9:00 am local time.
Head Coach Batram Suri, speaking to SIFF Media from Apia, acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that it will not be an easy task. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s positive spirit and focus ahead.
A victory would not only see the team reaching the final but also secure a historic spot for the Solomon Islands in the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025 in Chile.
The Solomon Islands showcased an impressive performance in the group stages, winning all three matches without conceding a single goal. However, Coach Suri emphasized the need for caution in their transition of play against New Caledonia to contain their opponents effectively.
“This is a big opportunity to make history, especially for our national U19 team,” Suri said.
“This hurdle is the only one left, and if we perform well together, we can make history.”
Suri stressed the importance of team concentration, particularly in defensive shifts.
“I hope and believe that if the boys stay focused when we lose the ball, we must come back together as a team to defend, that is the key.”
The coach also highlighted areas for improvement, specifically against one of the strong sides in Melanesia.
“We have identified some areas we need to address, especially putting up a strong defense. It won’t be easy—New Caledonia is a tough side to beat. But if we play to our strengths and maintain our organizational structure from defense to attack, we can achieve a better result.
The first semi-final will see Group B winners, New Zealand taking on Group A second place, Fiji.
-SIFF Media
