SOLOMON Islands National Team showcased their class in a dramatic Match Day 2 fixture of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. The defending Champions secured a 2-0 victory over the Solomon Islands Development Team at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.
After a goalless first half, the senior team broke the deadlock in the second half with two decisive goals, extending their unbeaten after two matches and cementing their position at the top of the group standings with six points.
The opening 45 minutes were balanced, with both teams displaying discipline and intensity – the senior team finally found their breakthrough early in the second half with a counterattack down the wing. Left-back Junior David delivered a perfectly timed cross into the box, setting up Bobby Leslie for a clinical finish.
Senior side head coach opted for options from the bench bringing in Raphael Le’ai and Atkin Kaua in the helm of attack. Le’ai came close for another assist to his name when his cross found Don Keana and Rovu Boyers who who placed it into the net – but the goal was disallowed due to Keana being offside with his first touch on the ball.
As the match approached its crucial stages, the senior team doubled their lead in the 85th minute.
A well-orchestrated build-up play saw the ball ricochet around the box before Alvin Hou pounced on a loose ball, slotting it home from close range.
The development team almost pulled one back in stoppage time. Jimson Abana’s towering header from a corner was destined for the net, but quick reactions from goalkeeper Harold Nauania kept it out denying the youngsters a consolation.
Coaches React
Stanley Waita, coach of the Development Team, commended his players for their effort:
“First of all, I want to thank my players for the challenge they gave the senior team. We came into the match with a solid game plan, knowing how they play, and I’m proud of the discipline we showed in the first half to keep it scoreless. Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration late in the game cost us, but overall, the boys did well.”
Josh Smith, head coach of the National Team, acknowledged the competitive nature of the match while pointing out areas for improvement:
“I want to congratulate Stanley and Franco. With just three weeks of preparation, their team performed exceptionally well, especially in the first half, where they were better than us in many aspects. While I’m pleased with the result and some of the individual performances in the second half, we need to be more consistent if we’re to grow as a team. Our approach in the first half wasn’t good enough.”
The result leaves the Development Team without a win after two matches, while the National Team sits comfortably atop the group with maximum points.
