The Solomon Islands U16 Boys secured their spot in the main OFC Men’s U16 Championship qualifiers later in July by finishing top of the OFC Men’s U16 Championship – Qualifying stage with an unbeaten record.
Solomon Islands defeated American Samoa 6-0 in their final match today – a record of 29 goals in total and conceding none throughout the competition.
Captain fantastic, Kennedy Sihiu, opened the scoring just two minutes from kick-off with a stunning strike to the top right.
The Polynesian side fought back hard to try and cut down the continued Solomon Islands’ attack. However, Junior Sese received Sihiu’s rebounded shot inside the 18-yard box to calmly slot it through the far post for a second goal in 16 minutes of play.
American Samoa displayed a fighting spirit in avoiding conceding more goals, but just before the breather, Sese again broke down the right wing for a low strike to make it 3-0 in the 1 additional minute.
In the second half, the intensity was evident with the American Samoa players building an advantage. However, top goal scorer Ashley Kwaimasia received a neat through ball again from Sihiu and scored from close range to extend the margin to 4-0.
Kwaimasia then secured his ninth goal in the competition from a one-to-one touch with captain Sihiu to slot the fifth goal in the 68th minute.
Coach Moses Toata decided to put more fresh legs in the final 20 minutes of play and brought on skillful speedster Allen Makana to replace Patty Kenimoi. Kenton Feni came on for Kwaimasi, who had already secured the competition’s top goal-scorer award.
The instant impact of Makana was rewarded when he received a deep through ball in the final third to put the Solomon Islands 6-0 up with only 10 minutes left on the clock.
With this convincing win, the Solomon Islands finished top of the qualifying group with 9 points.
