Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands 6-5 in a penalty shootout during their final group match in the 2024 OFC Men’s Beach Soccer Nations Cup held in Honiara today. The match was tightly contested, ending in a 2-2 draw, which necessitated a shootout to determine the winner.
Captain Tevita Waranaivalu scored both of Fiji’s goals during regular play and successfully converted the team’s first penalty attempt. Other players who scored in the shootout included Adriu Nabose, Steven Dean, France Catarogo, along with goalkeepers Sanaila Waqanicakau and Ilisoni Koro, all of whom successfully executed their shots.
Despite this victory, Fiji did not advance to the final, which will feature the defending champions Tahiti against the Solomon Islands. Earlier in the tournament, the team, coached by Jerry Sam, faced defeats, losing 8-6 to Papua New Guinea and 10-1 to Tahiti.