THE Solomon Islands secured OFC bragging rights at the Pacific Four Nations tournament in Canberra, Australia as a 1-1 draw with Fiji earned a second-place finish in the overall standings.
However, Australia’s U-20 side came top of the group, despite the abandonment of their final game against Papua New Guinea due to sickness in the PNG camp.
Following on from their 3-0 win over PNG on match day two, the Solomon Islands secured a runner-up spot after they drew with Fiji thanks to a second-half equaliser from Madeline Arukau, whose 56th minute leveller cancelled an earlier striker from Fiji’s Luisa Tamanitoakula.
It was an impressive tournament by Solomon Islands who performed admirably in all three of their fixtures, and ultimately wrapped-up second place.
Fiji will also be buoyed by an opening day win over Oceania champions PNG while midfielder Cema Nasau was named Tournament MVP, following on from her Golden Ball award at July’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
In lieu of their fixture with PNG, Australia’s Young Matildas played an elite development match made up of representatives from across the national age group.
Australia U20 Green defeated Australia U20 Gold 4-0, with Sasha Grove scoring a brilliant first-half hat-trick, while Ava Briedis also got her name on the scoresheet but the result did not count toward the final standing.
The Pacific Four Nations tournament has been made possible through a partnership with the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s ‘PacificAus Sports’ program.
Australia and the Pacific share a rich history and deep love of sport and, through PacificAus Sports, Australia works with Pacific partners to unlock this this potential further and create new opportunities for our athletes to train and compete together.
You can find out more about PacificAus Sports here: https://www.pacificaussports.gov.au
Pacific Women’s Four Nations 2022 match day three:
Solomon Islands 1 (Madeline ARUKAU 56’)
Fiji 1 (Luisa TAMANITOAKULA 39’)
Australia U-20 Gold 0
Australia U-20 Green 4 (Sasha GROVE 8’, 26’, 44’ Ava BRIEDIS 35’)
*This match did not count towards the final standings
- OFC MEDIA
