Solomon U20 mamula ends OFC campaign on high with 8-1 demolition of Samoa

The Solomon Islands U20 soccer team has ended its unsuccessful campaign for a berth at the upcoming world championship in Canada on high with a 8-1 demolition of Samoa in Auckland today.

In what is meant to be Solomons last game of the OFC Qualifiers, the mamula side ensured that they return home with their head high despite failing to gain a direct entry to the world youth championship in June to July. After six games, the mamula side have 11 points comprising three wins (against Samoa 8-1, New Caledonia 2-1, Tahiti 2-1), two draws (against New Zealand 1-1, Vanuatu 2-2), and one loss (against Fiji 0-3). The boys will now return home this week following a bye in the last match day on Wednesday.

During the game with Samoa, Jose Nawo scored two first half stoppage time goals in his hat-trick for the Solomons while Joachim Rande was on target in the 86th and 87th minutes before Judd Molea scored his second in the 89th minute as Samoa were left devastated by a late burst of goals in each half.

In other matches today, New Zealand maintained their unbeaten run with a 7-0 thrashing over Vanuatu to keep their top of the table position. The second match of today saw Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-1 to keep a 1 point close tap behind New Zealand.

So far, the world championship race rests on the hands of New Zealand and Fiji as they both have one remaining game to go. Currently the Kiwis have 13 points while Fiji following closely with 12 points. The final decision will be determined in their last matches on Wednesday where Fiji will play Tahiti and New Zealand up against New Caledonia.