(Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek – Solomon Warriors captain John Alick set to return for the crucial Pool A finale against Suva FC)

Suva FC and the Solomon Warriors will battle for the second semi-final spot in Group A when the OFC Champions League action in Luganville concludes tomorrow.

It’s fitting that there is so much riding on the last round robin match in the Group with the Fijian side needing a draw and the  Solomon Warriors needing to win to join defending champions Auckland City FC in the last four.

And it’s hard to pick which side will prevail given their form in their opening two matches. It’s clear the Solomon Warriors will be all out attack knowing nothing less than the three points will be enough.

Coach Franco Ne’e rested a couple of key players in the win over Lupe Ole Soaga on Wednesday with an eye to this fixture. His counterpart at Suva FC Maxwell Thaggard played a full-strength lineup against Auckland City and it remains to be seen if fatigue is a factor for the Fijian side.

Solomon Warriors goalkeeper Timothy Maearasia is likely to return from suspension while captain John Alick will return to the midfield and Matson Fenny could come back into the heart of the defence.

Thaggard who has no fresh injury concerns in his Suva FC side and hinted a more defensive approach could be on the cards from his team.

“The Solomon Warriors are a good side, they are fiery, and their strike force is amazing, and they play some beautiful football, we may sit back and contain them and go on the counter.” Thaggard said.

His counterpart Franco Ne’e has plenty of respect for Suva FC but felt his side taking an attacking approach will put them in good stead.

“Yes definitely, Suva, they will want to go for a draw.  Tactically we know we can match them if they sit back and give us more time to play, so yes, our recovery is our key toward this final game against Suva.”

Auckland City coach Albert Riera is expected to make several changes to his run-on side to play Lupe Ole Soaga in the earlier match.

The defending champions are already through to the semi-finals and only need a point to guarantee finishing top of Group A.  For Lupe who improved noticeably in their second match against the Solomon Warriors, they will be out to give a good account of themselves in their final match before heading home to Samoa.

Watch every match the OFC Champions League 2023 in Vanuatu streaming LIVE and free here on OFC TV on the OFC website. Information will be updated below accordingly.
All times local:

MATCH DAY THREE

20 May 

1200 Lupe Ole Soaga v Auckland City FC – WATCH HERE  

1500 Solomon Warriors v Suva FC – WATCH HERE  

21 May 

1200 Hekari United v AS Pirae – WATCH HERE  

1500 Tiga Sport v Ifira Black Bird – WATCH HERE 

SEMI-FINALS

24 May 

1130 Winner Group A v Runner Up Group B – WATCH HERE  

1500 Winner Group B v Runner Up Group A – WATCH HERE 

FINAL

27 May 

1400 WATCH HERE