The Bonitos notched a pair of goals in the second half and then held firm in the face of a late Vanuatu backlash to hang on to the tight victory.
The four friendlies are being fought out by the two teams to help them prepare for the upcoming Pacific Games in New Caledonia and the opening match was held to coincide with Solomon Islands Independence Day. Local organisers had their work cut out for them prior to kick-off, having to clear the field at Lawson Tama following some spirited Independence Day celebrations.
Fortunately, their hard work was not in vain as over 7,000 spectators braved the drizzling weather to witness the action. Those fans were not left disappointed after goals to Joe Luwi and Benjamin Totori gave them the win they desired in the Bonitos’ first outing since 2008.
The Solomons started brightly and Totori carved out two chances in the opening moments but Vanuatu had an even better one at the other end in the 12th minute, Robert Tasso heading against the crossbar after good build-up play from Richard Garae.
Totori was the next player to test the woodwork when his cross evaded everyone and clipped the top of the bar and, minutes later, a golden opportunity was squandered by Luwi. The striker had just Vanuatu goalkeeper Ernest Bong to beat but chipped his effort too high and it sailed harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Luwi was then involved in an unsavoury incident just before halftime when an ugly challenge on George Tabe led to a yellow card and ended the afternoon of Tabe, who had to be stretchered off the field.
The Bonitos got off to a good start in the second half but it was Vanuatu who created the best chance of the game so far. Tasso picked up a through ball and went one-on-one with goalkeeper Shadrack Ramoni but pushed his shot wide of the target.
The goal everyone in the stadium had been eagerly awaiting finally arrived just after the hour mark, Seni Ngava heading a Jeffery Bule cross down for Luwi to smash past Bong and give his side the lead.
It was 2-0 just three minutes later when Totori exchanged passes with Luwi before sending Bong the wrong way with a powerful low drive to the far post.
The goals appeared to sting Vanuatu into action and they threatened to score several times as the clock ticked down. Tasso and Eddison Stephen both failed to find the net from good chances but the Vanuatu contingent in the rowdy crowd did finally have something to celebrate when Daniel Michel pulled one back in the 89th minute.
The Bonitos then faced a couple of nerve-wracking minutes before local referee Gerald Oiaka blew the final whistle to give them the win.
Solomon Islands coach Jacob Moli was happy with the victory but says his players could have finished with a higher winning margin.
“I am pleased with this win but I believe we missed many opportunities today,” he said. “The boys did not perform to their full potential, especially in the first half.
“We have to address the defensive holes that occur in the centre of the field when we are committed in attack. A couple more matches will also help the players to communicate better and link up effectively.”
Moli was full of praise for Vanuatu and thinks the young side has a lot of potential.
“Vanuatu should not be concerned too much about today’s result. I think the rain might have impacted on their gameplan a little bit but I think that there is a lot of promise in this side.”
Vanuatu counterpart Saby Natonga was satisfied with the result considering the experience and depth of the Solomon Islands side.
“The team is filled with experienced players so I am proud that my young players were able to finish with a close scoreline,” he said.
“Some of our top players like Fenedy Masauvakalo and Francois Sakama are not with the team and this has had an impact on our effectiveness. But I am pleased that my players stuck to our gameplan throughout the match. We look forward to seeing how we will improve in our next game on Saturday.”
The second match will take place from 3pm on Saturday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb