The Solomon Island reasserted their dominance on the OFC Futsal Tournament in Suva tonight with a comprehensive 11-6 win over tournament hosts Fiji.
It was match of two contrasting styles, Solomon’s preferring the silky smooth passing and dribbling while Fiji looked for the direct route and tried to out muscle their opponents.
It was the most exhilarating match of the tournament and the packed crowd of 2,500 were witness to a match fuelled on adrenaline that saw both teams heading into the halftime break locked at 4-4.
The Solomon Islands regained their lead twenty seconds into the second half when fan favourite Elliot Ragomo found the back of the net after a skilful run.
The Solomon’s quickly piled on another three goals before Fiji could reply and the score quickly escalated to 11-6 and sent the crowd into overdrive.
Goals for Solomon were scored by Micah Lea’alafa (4), James Egata (2), Francis Lafai, Elliot Ragomo (2); Jack Wetney and Jenan Kapu.
Kamal Hassan scored a hatrick for Fiji alongside two goals from Mira Sahib and one from Alvin Avinesh.
Solomon Island Coach Victor Wai’ia was elated with the result and was happy with the discipline his side showed.
“We sticked to the game plan today and everyone was very committed. The crowd support gives our players such a boost and helps them out so much.”
“I encourage them to entertain the crowd but also remind them that they have to concerntarte for the full duration of the match.
“There are some defensive areas we still need to work on, but tonight I am happy, so far so good.”
Fijian captain Mira Sahib was proud of his sides effort and respected the opponents that they faced tonight.
“We tried our best but their goals just kept coming. They are very skilful and quick and a tough team to compete against.
“When the scores were locked 4-4 at halftime we were told to just give it everything we’ve got and we tried our best.
“But we are not out of the tournament yet, maybe luck will be on our side and results might go our way.”
Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson
SOL: 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 12. Jack WETNEY; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (GK)
SUBS: 1. Alick LIOKA (RGK); 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 11. Ron GINIO; 2. Phillip HOUTARAU;
Coach: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)
Goals: 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA 3’, 20’; 7, 40’. James EGATA 4’, 34’; 8. Francis LAFAI 13’; 3. Elliot RAGOMO 20’, 27’; 12. Jack WETNEY 32’; 5. Jenan KAPU 36’;
FIJ: 1. Azmat BEGG (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 4. Alvin AVINESH; 5. Nayzal Siga Ali;
SUBS: 6. Assis CHAND; 7. Vikash PRASAD; 8. Muni Arvindra NAIDU; 9. Kamal HASSAN;10. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 11. Imtiaz BEGG; 12. Nishad Wasim ALI (RGK)
Goals: 2. Mira SAHIB 5’, 36’; 9. Kamal HASSAN 12’, 16’, 20’; 4. Alvin ALVINESH 34’;
Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJ)
Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)
2nd Referee: Peter L. Pakoatong (VAN)
3rd Referee: Scott Kidson (AUS)
Timekeeper: Jamie Cross (NZL)
Goals: 2. Mira SAHIB 5’; 9. Kamal HASSAN 12’;
Referee’s Assessor: Massimo Raveino (TAH)