SOLOMON Islands National Team delivered a statement performance on Match Day 1 of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2024, marking their return to home action after a year with an emphatic display at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The Melanesian title holders started on the front foot with an electrifying show of dominance, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Vanuatu. Rovu Boyers calmly converted a penalty, and Don Keana delivered a sublime strike to give the home side a comfortable lead by halftime.
Returning for the second half, the Solomon Islands team continued their lively performance, much to the delight of the home fans. John Orobulu combined brilliantly with young Boyers, who finished with precision into the bottom corner.
Vanuatu managed a response when towering defender Nicolas King scored with a chip header past Harold Nauania, briefly reigniting hopes for the visitors. However, Coach Josh Smith’s starting XI held firm, maintaining their two-goal advantage. Smith’s strategic substitutions midway through the half ensured the team’s composure against a determined Vanuatu side.
Adding to Vanuatu’s woes, the visitors were reduced to 10 men late in the second half. Capitalizing on this advantage, Raphael Le’ai, introduced late in the match, delivered a pinpoint pass that set up Keana to beat the goalkeeper and slot home his second game goal into an empty net.
“I give credit to the boys for the victory today,” Coach Smith said post-match. “We allowed every player, especially the new ones, to play, and they’ve shown great character. I’m impressed, but we must keep working hard as we have another game to focus on this Thursday.”
In the day’s opening match, Papua New Guinea (PNG) edged the Solomon Islands Development Team 1-0, securing a crucial start to the competition. Despite the loss, Stanley Waita and Franco Ne’e led a strong performance, pushing the experienced PNG side to their limits. However, the Development Team struggled to break through in the final third.
The senior team and the Development Team are set to face off this Thursday and Fiji is taking on Vanuatu on Match Day 2 of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2024.
