Solomon Islands Men’s National Team is off to a winning start in the Sol2023 Pacific Games earning three valuable points in a 1-0 victory over a brave Samoan side today at the Lawson Tama Stadium.
Super substitute, John Orobulu scored the winner in the second half to separate the sides in a thrilling opener in front of a packed home crowd.
Having the home advantage Solomon Islands proved dominant from kick-off.
Raphael Le’ai came close in the opening period from a well-taken free-kick only to be denied by the far post. The Samoans kept their composure and responded with a quick attack that forced the custodian Philip Mango to make a full-stretch save.
On level terms at the break head coach Felipe Vega-Arango looked for options upfront bringing on Orobulu for captain Joses Nawo and Bobby Leslie for Alvin Hou to create some energy in attack.
The Southern United lethal man found himself on the receiving end of a loose ball to nod home from close range in the 49 minutes.
The win puts the host nation in the driving seat in Group D and as much as the Spaniard sees it as not convincing, after 5 years since returning to international football action on home turf.
“I’m not convinced about the way that we played but we have not played a home game for some time now and the boys are nervous I could tell – we did not play the way we wanted,” Felipe in a post-match.
“This is a short tournament and we got the three points – move on to the next.
The Solomon Islands will now face American Samoa on Thursday 23rd November, and a possible win will see them qualify in the group to the semi-finals.
