21 August 2025 Matt Brown – The Solomon Islands have reignited their semi-final push at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 in Honiara, overcoming a resilient Samoa 4-0 in front of a boisterous home crowd at the National Stadium.
Henry Fa’arodo’s side now face the prospect of having to beat defending champions New Zealand on Sunday in a decisive final Group B match, to make the last four and keep alive their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar.
For much of the match, however, the hosts looked frustrated. Numerous missed chances and defensive lapses allowed Samoa to grow in confidence, and the visitors came close to a shock lead in the first half.
Junior Sese rattled the crossbar early for Solomon Islands with a deflected long-range strike, before being denied again by an outstanding save from Damien Saienisi. Junior Ben also fired narrowly wide as the Solomon Islands struggled to break through.
Samoa then had their best spell of the game. Bevan Jr Kapisi’s brilliant 29th-minute finish was ruled out for offside, while Roman Telling sent a header centimetres wide. Just before halftime, Joseph Arnold and Darragh Williams both tested Solomon Islands keeper Eddie Aefi.
The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute when Charles Daomae was brought down in the box by Isaac Edward. Junior Sam calmly converted from the spot to ease the pressure on the home side.
Daomae doubled the lead just six minutes later, pouncing on a loose ball and rifling it home. With momentum on their side, the Solomon Islands began to play with freedom. Daomae grabbed his second in the 75th minute before Sam completed his brace, capitalising on a handling error by Saienisi with 10 minutes to play.
The result leaves the Solomon Islands needing victory over New Zealand on Sunday to reach the semi-finals, while Samoa are eliminated and will finish their group campaign against New Caledonia.
Solomon Islands 4 (Junior SAM pen 57.’ 80’, Charles DAOMAE 63,’ 75’,)
Samoa 0
