After nearly two decades, the Solomon Islands and an Australian national team will once again face off in an 11-a-side football match. The much-anticipated PacificAus Sports Tour will see the visiting Subway Joeys go head-to-head with the Solomon Islands Men’s U19 team in a thrilling two-legged friendly series, beginning today at the National Stadium at 6:00 PM (SBT).
In the pre-match press conference, both teams’ head coaches and captains expressed their excitement for what promises to be a competitive encounter.
The match marks a significant moment for Solomon Islands head coach Batram Suri, who played against the Socceroos in 2004, leading the Solomon Islands to a memorable 2-2 draw in Adelaide.
Now, 20 years later, Suri returns to the pitch, this time guiding the U19 squad against a younger Australian outfit.
“It’s a great pleasure to play against a young Australian side,” Suri shared with the media.
The Solomon Islands U19 team is returning to action after a challenging campaign at the OFC Men’s U19 Championship in Tonga, where they narrowly missed out on a FIFA World Cup qualification – and upcoming matches offer a crucial opportunity for redemption and development.
“These players are still developing in the game, and such opportunities will also prepare ahead when they will be making it in the U23 side and the senior national team.
On the other side, Australian coach Brad Maloney emphasized the importance of international exposure for his players as they prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, a pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025.
“It’ll be great for us and the players as we focus on the AFC Qualifiers. These experiences will be invaluable for the team, and we’re looking forward to a quality match,” Maloney stated.
The Subway Joeys have been drawn into Group G alongside Indonesia, Kuwait, and the Northern Mariana Islands, with their eyes set on securing a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025™. The qualifiers will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in April next year.
Fans eager to witness this historic clash can purchase tickets at the SIFF Academy and National Sports Council Office (NSC), priced at $10 for adults and $2 for children.
For those unable to attend in person, both matches will be streamed live on the SIFF Facebook page and the Football Australia YouTube Channel.
Match One
Solomon Islands U-19 v Subway Joeys
Thursday, 15 August 2024
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local) / 5.00pm AEST
National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Match Two
Solomon Islands U-19 v Subway Joeys
Sunday, 18 August 2024
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 6.00pm AEST
National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands
SIFF Media
