Despite a narrow 1–0 loss to Bula FC in their OFC Pro League clash on Sunday, Solomon Kings FC head coach Ben Cahn says he could not be prouder of his players after a spirited performance played largely with 10 men.
The Kings were reduced to a man down for much of the second half, yet continued to press and take the game to their Fijian opponents.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the players, they gave everything,” Cahn said. “With 11 men we were really proactive and played really well. With 10, to keep pressing, keep running and keep trying to dominate the game was incredible.”
Cahn praised his side’s approach and technical quality, saying the performance proved many critics wrong.
“When I took the job people questioned whether these boys could play the way I want them to play, that they weren’t technical enough,” he said.
“They showed a really good technical level today and a great intent to play the game the way we believe it should be played.”
Solomon Kings have managed just one goal from three matches so far, and Cahn admitted improvement is needed in the final third.
“Unfortunately we’ve got some refinements to make in the front third,” he said. “We’ll work hard to turn that possession into goals as we move forward.”
Bula FC secured victory through a lone goal from Nabil Begg late in the first half, earning the Fijian side their first three points of the competition.
“Unfortunately we conceded a sloppy goal and that was heartbreaking for us,” Cahn added. “But sometimes in football you have to look beyond the result.
“Today I saw something in those players, they’re champions, every single one of them and they showed me how far we can go.”
Solomon Kings will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s clash against South Island United, where they will be aiming to bounce back strongly.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
