History for Solomons, New Zealand continue run (FIFA.com) 19 Sep 2018

History for Solomons, New Zealand continue run

(FIFA.com) 19 Sep 2018

• Solomon Islands into first World Cup with Peru 2019 qualification
• New Zealand set for seventh straight FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance
• Oceania pair are first to join the hosts at the 24-nation tournament

Solomon Islands created history by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2019 with a deserved 3-1 win over Fiji in the first semi-final of the OFC U-16 Championship on Wednesday.

A large crowd was on hand at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara to roar on the local heroes as the football-mad nation finally reached its first 11-a-side FIFA tournament.

The Solomons began as favourites after defeating New Zealand in the group stage and they duly took a handy lead thanks to a first-half double from Charles Mani.

Fiji struck back through Nikhi Pillay on the stroke of half-time but Raphael Le’ai, who hit the post earlier in the match, wrapped up the contest with a late strike to spark wild celebrations in the capital.

Solomon Islands have previously competed with distinction at Futsal and Beach Soccer World Cups.

In the latter match, New Zealand turned around their indifferent form to earn an impressive 4-1 win over Tahiti and secure a berth at their seventh consecutive U-17 World Cup.

The Kiwis raced to a three-goal lead by midway through the opening half with Henry Hamilton collecting a double.

Tahiti had been seeking first-ever qualification at U-17 level after recently reaching the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

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SOLOMON FOOTBALL > NEWS > 2018 OFC U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP > SOLOMON ISLANDS EAGER TO CLINCH TITLE

Solomon Islands eager to clinch title

Simon Abana

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 Sep 21, 2018, 4:12 PM

in2018 OFC U-16 Championship

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Solomon Islands have set their sights on clinching the OFC U-16 Championship title on home soil when they take on defending champions New Zealand in the final at Lawson Tama Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

The all concurring national U-16 side heading into the final with four wins from four games played in the tournament.

Stanley Waita and Co created history in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Fiji to booked Solomon Islands first ever football World Cup berth.

Waita said his young lads are excited ahead of the final against the junior All Whites.

“I am feeling excited today because it’s a great day for Solomon Islands ahead of the grand final and I think my players are feeling great this morning”, the former Solomon Islands international said.

“We want to go for the ultimate prize, we are looking forward to it and we will be giving our very best tomorrow.”

The hosts defeated New Zealand 5-0 in the group phase thus making the final an interesting encounter.

“We had the upper hand in our group encounter but I know they will come back strong in the final and we are prepared for the challenge”, Waita added.

The defending champions are fresh from their 4-1 win over Tahiti in the semi-finals and head coach Jose Figueira said the boys can’t wait for a rematch.

“I think we have learned a lot from that game, that game you know the experience, the crowd and the talented team they are probably might just come too early for us in terms of settling in and getting used to things here”, Figueira said.

“We’ve learned a lot, I think we’ve improved in those areas in the game since and you know off the back of the semis the feeling straight after the game we’ve got more in the tank.

“So that’s great I am sure there will be a huge crowd, huge occasion and just a great day for football and we’ll be going out there trying to express ourselves.”

Boths have already secured their place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup but Oceania bragging rights is on the cards.

The final is expected to be a classic match which will kick-off at 3pm in Honiara tomorrow.