Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek

Solomon Islands are off to a winning start in their quest to win the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup for the first time in a decade.

The Bilikiki have beaten Fiji  6-3 in the tournament opener in sweltering conditions at the Aorai Tini Hau stadium in Papeete, Tahiti.

The Solomon Islands made a quick-fire start and went in front through an own goal off the head of Gabiriele Matanisiga in the opening minute.

Fiji recovered quickly and had a couple of chances to equalise but Abraham Bird made strong saves to keep them at bay. He was unable to deny Rajneel Singh however, who equalised in the 7th minute. It remained level until the end of the period.

Solomon Islands Albert Bobby. OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup 2023, Fiji v Solomon Islands, Aorai Tini Hau, Papeete, Tahiti, Tuesday 22nd August 2023. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

Fiji took the lead at the start of the second stanza with Matanisiga tapping in at the far post. The lead was short-lived after first Thomas Amasia scored a brilliant individual goal before the Bilikiki went in front through Max Fa’ari in the 18th minute. A minute later Fa’ari blasted over from an inviting freekick.

Captain Albert Bobby and veteran James Naka put the Solomon Islands in control with late strikes to end the second period with a three goal buffer.

Amasia completed his double a minute into the second-half to effectively make the game safe for the Bilikiki. Fiji continued to press and had a period of sustained pressure and were rewarded in the 31st minute when Ravneel Pal scored to close the gap.

Fiji’s Rajneel Singh celebrates his goal. OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup 2023, Fiji v Solomon Islands, Aorai Tini Hau, Papeete, Tahiti, Tuesday 22nd August 2023. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

Solomon Islands coach Gideon Omokirio was pleased with his side’s performance.

“All the boys have worked together and we are very happy. After we went behind we had to get back up and we adjusted and scored goals.” Omokirio said.

Fiji coach Jerry Sam felt his side competed well for their first outing together.

“The boys are a bit down now but they fought hard and competed strongly against a very good team and I think we will definitely get better the more matches we play together.” Sam said.

Fiji play Tonga and the Solomon Islands meet hosts Tahiti in their second matches of the tournament tomorrow.

Fiji: 3 (Rajneel SINGH 7’, Gabiriele MATANISIGA 14’, Ravneel PAL 31’)
Solomon Islands: 6 (Gabiriele MATANISIGA Own Goal 1’, Thomas AMASIA 15’, 25’, Max FA’ARI 18’, Albert BOBBY 23’, James NAKA 24′)