Solomon Islands has recorded its second victory, 5-2 after defeating hosts Fiji with an unstoppable display of game this evening – Sunday 21st September in Suva, Fiji.
Kurukuru led at half time with a 3-0 scorelines. They added two more goals in the second half.
However, Fiji bounced back and managed to score two late goals in the dying minutes of the match.
Fiji defeated Vanuatu on Saturday, 5-4.
The stadium was packed with a huge crowd of Solomon Islands’ supporters cheering the Kurukuru boys throughout the match.
Kurukuru now leads the table after two matches. They boys defeated current championship New Zealand2-1, on Saturday evening.
They will face Vanuatu and Tuvalu in the remaining matches.
In the other earlier match New Zealand outclassed Tuvalu with a 6-1 victory.
For many fans this evening’s victory means Kurukuru is now a team to watch.
Not only that but it shows a come back victory for Kurukuru under the leadership of local coach Dickson Kadau.
The team had a good number of young players who also featured during the past two matches.
According to OFC Media from the opening whistle, the Kurukuru dominated possession, with Owen Bunabo and Alvin Hou spearheading waves of attacks.
Both players unleashed several shots at Fiji captain Kitione Baleloa, who was resilient throughout the early exchanges.
Baleloa produced a string of excellent saves to deny multiple long-range efforts, but the persistent pressure eventually told as Jayroll Patty’s clinical finish gave the Solomon Islands the lead.
The attacking intensity continued, with Calvin Do’oro adding twice – first with a powerful strike that beat the keeper, and then again following a well-worked set piece – as Dickson Kadau’s side asserted their control over the match.
Fiji showed flashes of threat on the counter, but the Solomon Islands’ defence remained solid, keeping them at bay. Backed by a seemingly home crowd on Fiji soil, the Kurukuru side looked in full control heading into halftime.
The second half saw Fiji start with purpose, creating chances in promising positions, but Solomon Islands’ organisation and composure disrupted their rhythm. The Kurukuru soon regained their attacking momentum, with Owen Bunabo pouncing on a rebound to make it four, followed by Alvin Hou adding a fifth after a defensive lapse from Fiji.
In the closing minutes, Fiji struck twice, with Nikil Chand converting a precise pass from Filipe Baravilala, who later found the net himself to give the hosts a late flourish.
Solomon Islands claimed another impressive win and will aim to carry their momentum into tomorrow’s clash with Vanuatu, while Fiji look to regroup ahead of their next match against Tuvalu.
