Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a score of 6-5 in a penalty shootout during their final group match of the 2024 OFC Men’s Beach Soccer Nations Cup held in Honiara today. The match was closely contested, ending in a 2-2 draw, necessitating penalties to determine the winner.
Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and Steven Dean scored for Fiji in regulation time. Waranaivalu successfully converted Fiji’s first penalty, while Dean, Adriu Nabose, France Catarogo, and goalkeepers Sanaila Waqanicakau and Ilisoni Koro also made successful attempts during the shootout.
Despite the victory, Fiji did not advance to Saturday’s final, which will see defending champions Tahiti face off against the Solomon Islands. Earlier in the tournament, Fiji’s team, coached by Jerry Sam, experienced defeats, losing 8-6 to Papua New Guinea and 10-1 to Tahiti.
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