The Solympics U-23 national team secured a spot in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers after winning their second match against Samoa with a 5-0 scoreline at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
Solomon Islands started the match with purpose going forward in the early exchanges which led to Darold Kakasi 16 minute goal.
Augustine Waita continues his brilliant form in front of goal with a brace to saw the Solympics held a 3-0 lead at the break.
The Samoan sit back in their half to defend their goal in the second half but Adrian Mara and Patrick Taroga found the back of the net twice to sealed another comfortable win.
Solomon Islands coach Batram Suri is pleased with his boys for grabbing a second win and maintaining their winning momentum in the competition.
“I am happy with the team for keeping our winning run intact,” he said.
“I thought the game would be intense but we managed to beat them easily with our style of play.”
The win means Solomon Islands are equal on six points with New Zealand heading into both team’s final group match on Friday to decide who tops Group A and advance as top-seeded team to the semi-finals in Lautoka next week.
Suri added that they will be preparing well for the final group match against New Zealand.
“Against New Zealand, we can’t let them beat us easily,” he insisted.
“We have to compete and prepare strategically with a plan to challenge them on Friday.”
Solomon Islands will take on New Zealand on Friday 27 September at 18:00 in Suva at ANZ Stadium.
