BY CHRIS ALEX
THE Solomon Islands National Men’s Under-19 Football team opened the first match of the PacificAus Sports Football Tour yesterday at King George National Stadium, east of Honiara, with an exciting 2-1 victory over Australia’s Under-17 squad, the Subway Joeys.
This win not only marked a significant milestone for the young Solomon Islanders but also set a positive tone for their future in international football.
Head coach Batram Suri, a veteran of the game, credited the team’s success to hard preparation and the professionalism instilled in his players.
Speaking exclusively to RAW SPORT, Suri expressed pride in his team’s performance. “Our boys were doing well throughout the match. After returning from Samoa, I saw them giving their best in preparing for this game,” Suri said, emphasizing the role of preparation in achieving results.
The Subway Joeys, although younger, brought a high level of maturity and professionalism, which posed a tough challenge. However, Suri’s team was ready. “The victory came about because of good preparation,” he reiterated, noting that matching the professionalism of the Australian players was key to their success.
Tactically, Suri’s approach proved instrumental. His focus on strong defending and a well-timed counter-attacking strategy disrupted the Subway Joeys’ rhythm.
“In the first half, we matched their pressure. But in the second half, after some adjustments, I urged the boys to apply high pressure and counter-attack when we regained possession,” Suri explained. This tactical shift allowed the Solomon Islands to take control and secure the win.
Suri credited the win to the collective effort of the entire team and saw it as crucial preparation for future challenges, particularly the Olympic Under-23 qualifiers. “This friendly was important to push them to the next level,” he said. “It’s excellent preparation for any international match in the future.”
The victory is a promising indicator of the team’s potential as they continue to rise on the international stage. Match two of the series is on Sunday 18 August at 7:00pm (local) / 6:00pm AEST and will be broadcast live and free on the Football Australia YouTube channel and Solomon Islands Football Federation Facebook page.
