Solomon Islands triumphed 4-0 over Tonga thanks to two-goal hero Commins Menapi. The veteran striker was in deadly form in front of goal despite the heroics of Tonga
goalkeeper Kavakava Manumua who had a strong match. Another fine performer was Henry Fa’arodo, the dreadlocked wide midfielder at the centre of Solomon Islands devastating attacks. Fa’arodo added
the third for Solomon Islands on 51 minutes. Another New Zealand-based midfield man Alick Maemae capped off a satisfying afternoon for his team with a neat shot inside the penalty area on 66
minutes.
Solomon Islands were never threatened at the back but were made to work hard as Kamaliele Papani showed some deft touches in an otherwise busy midfield. Papani, though, was no match for
a dynamic midfield run by Alick Maemae and George Lui with the pair at the heart of all Solomon Islands creative moves.
Tonga rarely threated Fred Hale’s goal with the back four of Samson Takayama, David Taro, George Suri and Marlon Houkarawa proving a more convincing combination than in Solomon Islands
preparation matches. Tonga, for their part, showed impressive strength, work-rate and endeavour but rarely any creative moves that possessed a rapier thrust though coach Kilifi Uele was happy
enough with the player’s collective efforts.
Solomon Islands not sit on top of Pool B with a 100% record and their place in the semi-finals looks all but assured with matches against Vanuatu (Saturday 1st September, 1430hrs
GMT-13) and Samoa (Monday 3rd September, 1230hrs GMT-13).
Tonga’s next match against rivals Samoa (Wednesday 29th August, 2030hrs GMT-13)is now a must-win for both teams if they are to retain any realistic interest in a semi-final
berth.
XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007
Men’s
Group B
Match day 2 – 27 August 2007 – 15:00
Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Playing Fields – Apia – Samoa
Full-time: SOLOMON ISLANDS 4 (MENAPI 5′, 13′; FAARODO 51′; MAEMAE 66′) TONGA 0
SOLOMON ISLANDS: 1. Fred HALE; 2. David TARO; 3. Marlon Houkarawa; 4. Samson TAKAYAMA; 5. George SURI; 7. Aleck MAEMAE; 9. Godwin BEBEU (12. James NAKA 69′); 11. Commins
MENAPI; 13. George LUI (10. Judd MOLEA 46′); 18. Henry FAARODO; 19. George ABA (16. Stanley WAITA 46′).
Coach: Airton ANDRIOLI
Substitutes not used: 6. Tome FAISI; 8. Jacob PEKAU; 15. Mostyn BEUI; 17. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 20. Arnold KENI; 21. John MORGAN.
Injured:
Suspended:
Not Available: 14. Benjamin TOTORI.
Cautions: 13. George LUI (34′); Marlon HOUKARAWA (87′).
Red Cards:
Goalscorers: 11. Commins MENAPI (5′, 13′); 18. Henry FAARODO (51′); Alick MAEMAE (66′).
TONGA: 1. Kavakava MANUMUA; 2. Sione Ongol UHATAHI; 3. Kava HUIHAUHAU; 4. Folio MOEAKI; 6. Pio PALU; 7. Sione Vea TAHITUA; 8. Kamaliele PAPANI; 9. Ilalio LEAKONA (15. Tevita
TAKAI 46′); 10. Unaloto FEAO; 11. Malakai SAVIETI (Lafaele MOALA 53′); 17. Semisi TUIFANGALOKA.
Coach: Kilife UELE
Substitutes not used: 5. Matana PAONGO; 14. Kaisani UHATAHI; 16. Sione TOVO; 18. Kaliopasi UELE; 19. Lisaniasi KAINGA; 20. Kaneti FELELA
Injured: 13. Mark UHATAHI; 21. Kinikini KAU.
Suspended:
Not Available:
Cautions: 10. Unaloto FEAO (30′); Kamaliele PAPANI (44′); 6. Pio PALU (62′); Tevita TAKAI (85′).
Red Cards:
Goalscorers:
Referee: Fiti AIMAASU (SAM)
Assistant Referee: Michael JOSEPH (VAN)
Assistant Referee: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)
Fourth Official: Salaiau SOSONGAN (PNG)