SOLOMON Islands went into Day 3 of the Futsal tournament with two wins under their belt in an encounter against a winless Vanuatu.
As expected, the ‘Kurukuru’ boys were hot on attack led by Alvin Hou, Elis Mana and Calvin Do’oro.
Vanuatu struggled to keep pace but defended well early in the game. Goalkeeper Charlie Boe was in impressive form.
The tactical ability of Vanuatu was very good. They were up for the challenge in a very high tempo clash. Captain Michel Coulon, Kemly Lehi and Kevin Donald were looking dangerous every time they had the ball.
It was looking to be a scoreless first half until Jayroll Patty slipped through the Vanuatu defense to sneak one in for Solomons to lead 1–0 at halftime.
Paul Takaro stunned the Solomons after he launched one from outside the arc. Takaro’s goal lifted the morale of his team as Vanuatu was back in the game.
Do’oro and Hou fired long range shots to try and gain the lead once more for Solomon Islands but each time they were stopped by Boe.
With all the missed opportunities to score the tough tussle ended with a 1 all draw.
Game 2
Fiji gets second win over brave Tuvalu
Hosts Fiji dealt with a spirited side from Tuvalu who played their second game of the tournament.
Tuvalu skipper Reme Timuani led the charge and was supported closely by Paolo Vailine. Tuvalu were aiming to score the first goal.
Their lone goal scorer from the last match Kene Vine was subbed in to help Tuvalu’s pursuit for a goal.
Rajneel Singh and Filipe Baravilala were trying to snipe goals for Fiji. Goalkeeper Katepu Iosua was again brilliant for Tuvalu.
A free kick by Bruce Hughes saw Fiji go up 1–nil. Tuvalu’s defense misread that one.
Fiji increased their physicality as they mounted more pressure. Then Baravilala cued one for Merrill Nand to finish with a fantastic touch.
Tuvalu had exhausted their 6 foul count. Baravilala was there to deliver another one for Fiji from a free kick. Fiji led 3–0 at half time.
It was a good second half show from Tuvalu. Maalosi Alefaio and Flamez Mokeni were strong for them.
However both teams only scored a goal each. Ramzan Khan for Fiji and Aloesi Nukualofa for Tuvalu. The full time score was 4–1.