Solomon Islands Football Federation
Solomon Islands eager to clinch title
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.
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