Solomon Islands Secure Semi-Final Spot With Victory Over Tahiti

Solomon Islands booked their place in the OFC U-16
Men’s Championship semi-finals with a deserved 3-1 victory
over Tahiti, setting up a last-four meeting with
Fiji.

With a semi-final berth on the line, both sides
knew victory would keep their title hopes alive. Solomon
Islands adopted an aggressive defensive approach from the
outset, pressing high up the pitch and looking to exploit
the pace of Greggy Gau and George Lea’i on the
counterattack.

Their
persistence paid off in the 26th minute. George Lea’i
latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Walcott Kona
before bursting beyond Tahiti defender Steevy Peckett. The
forward then unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into
the top-left corner to give Solomon Islands a deserved lead
heading into the break.

The advantage doubled just
three minutes into the second half when Gau raced beyond the
Tahiti defence before slipping the ball into the path of
Jayer Makarani, who calmly drilled a low finish into the
near post from outside the area.

Tahiti responded
immediately through Esdras Jamet in the 53rd minute, who
turned home Akahi Paoa’s low corner to reduce the deficit
and ignite hopes of a comeback.

Despite the pressure,
Solomon Islands remained composed, controlling possession
and frustrating Tahiti’s patient build-up play. A late free
kick from Hyrum Jones was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper
Eddie Aefi before the decisive moment arrived in the closing
stages.

A long clearance from Soka released Gau from
halfway, and the speedy forward surged clear of the defence
before coolly slotting home to seal an impressive 3-1
victory.

Tahiti: 1 (Esdras JAMET 53′)

Solomon
Islands: 3 (George LE’AI 26′, Jayer MAKARANI 48′, Greggy GAU
90+6′)

HT:
0-1

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