The Solomon Islands U16 women’s team hope for the U17 world cup in Morocco have been denied after they went down to the hosts Samoa 5-0 in the semifinals on Monday.
Samoa’s 5-0 victory over Solomon Islands in the semifinals gave the hosts a spot in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship final for the second consecutive year, and with it, a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco next year.
That match started with the hosts Samoa dominated possession and territory against a Solomon Islands outfit making its maiden appearance at this stage.
Samoa made the breakthrough in the 9th minute when Tuiolosega’s cross took an unfortunate deflection off Solomon Islands captain Teisika Rotoava and into the net making it 1-0 over Solomon Islands.
Moments later Kitiona doubled the advantage, heading home unmarked at the far post from a corner making it 2-0 over Solomon Islands at half time.
Solomon Islands despite few chances in the first 45 minutes, the scoreline remain 2-0 in favour of the hosts at half time.
Both teams regrouped with renewed strength in the second half as the hosts looking to extend their lead while Solomon Islands hopes to close the gap.
However, Solomon Islands despite having the hope to close the gap, Samoa was too strong for them, as the Samoans followed the similar pattern in the second half when Johnson latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball and slotted past the Solomon Islands goalkeeper Selestina in the 59th minutes to make it three.
Moments later Devoux then got in on the scoring act in the 69th before substitute Tova Auvaa scored the goal of the match, a powerful right footed strike in the 83rd minute to seal a commanding victory for Samoa over Solomon Islands.
Despite the five goals down, Solomon Islands also created few scoring chances against the hosts in the second half. However, Solomon Islands is able to make use of its scoring chances which cost them at the end.
Speaking after the match, Solomon Islands head coach Kanto Yamashita thanked the players for their effort and strength thought out the match.
He said despite the results, he is happy with the team’s performance to be able to reach the semi finals which is already a history for the Solomon Islands.
Coach Yamashita further congratulated Samoa for the deserved win and have secured their spot in the women’s U17 world cup next year.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
