The Solomon Islands National U-16 team, the Katukatu, faces a do-or-die showdown against 11-time champions New Zealand in their final Group B match of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Honiara on Sunday 3pm.
Henry Fa’arodo Jnr’s side bounced back in style from their opening 5-2 defeat to New Caledonia, producing a brilliant response with a 4-0 victory over Samoa to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
A goalless draw between group leaders New Zealand and New Caledonia on Thursday has thrown Group B wide open heading into the decisive final matchday.
Currently sitting third with three points, the Katukatu trail behind both New Zealand and New Caledonia, who are level on four points each.
A win over the Junior All Whites will guarantee Solomon Islands a place in Wednesday’s semi-finals.
However, a draw would leave their fate in the hands of results from the earlier fixture, where they would need Samoa to upset New Caledonia by a wide margin.
“I think the belief is still there. This is football, and anything can happen. Going into our last match with New Zealand, the main message for the boys is to stay humble, stay focused, and get the job done. We still have one hurdle to clear,” Fa’arodo said.
The last time Solomon Islands defeated New Zealand at this level was in 2018, when a dazzling display from star forward Raphael Le’ai inspired a memorable 5-0 win in the group stage.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
