Fiji, Solomon Islands Draw in Suva

By Elizabeth Osifelo (Photos Charles Kadamana)

Fiji held Solomon Islands national team to a 1-1 draw in their first International friendly match at ANZ stadium on Thursday May 25th..

They took an lead from a powerful shot by Epeli Saukuru midway through the first half.

Fiji striker Saukuru gave the hope for Fiji to claim the game from his powerful strike onto the right corner of Solomon Islands goal mouth that caught goalkeeper Philip Mango off guard. 

From the start it was Solomon Islands who got three clear chances to lead the game.

Their first chances came from Captain Benjamin Totori from a breakthrough but Fiji goal keeper and Captain Beniamino Mateinaqara perfectly timing it and served it.

Solomon Islands had another clear chance when they were awarded with a penalty shot but Totori just place the ball directly to the Fiji’s goal keeper.

Not until before the half time they manage to equalize it through a penalty shot from Solomon Islands international player and Futsal star Micah Lea’alafa.

Locked with the draw Fiji maintain its defence and made several chances using long passes to extend their lead but Solomon Islander defenders Nelson Sale and Haddis Aeganri always keep them on guide.

The game locked into 1-1 at half time.

in the second half both sides put more pressure in search for goal and with the first chance falling to Totori who shot wide.

Fiji had their chances few minutes later when they awarded a free kick but their shot was well held by Solomon goal keeper.

To maintain their strength both team made substitutions were made by Fiji with Solomon islands replacing Micah Lea’alafa and Capatin Totori by fielding in Hendry Farodo and James Naka.. 

At the end of full time it remained a 1-1 draw.

Both coaches were very pleased with the outcomes of the game.

Fiji’s French Gamel said he was satisfied with his boys’ performance for playing to their best.

He said Solomon Islands is a good team that Fiji team can build on from it.

He expressed that his players were respectful and played to the best of their abilities.

Solomon Islands Spanish coach Filipe Vega-Arango Alonso said the draw is a positive start for them.

“The boys have showed some very good passing, good transition dribbling, although we had some problems with finishing,” he said.

Alonso said he was pleased because his side had more ball possession and did not allow a lot of chances for Fiji and had good control over the game.