Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands 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 highly competitive and concluded with a 2-2 draw, necessitating the shootout to determine the winner.
Fiji’s goals in regular time were scored by captain Tevita Waranaivalu and Steven Dean. Waranaivalu converted the team’s first penalty, while Dean, Adriu Nabose, France Catarogo, along with goalkeepers Sanaila Waqanicakau and Ilisoni Koro, also successfully scored in the shootout.
Despite this victory, Fiji was unable to secure a spot in Saturday’s final, which will feature defending champions Tahiti and the Solomon Islands. In previous matches, Fiji suffered losses, falling 8-6 to Papua New Guinea and 10-1 to Tahiti.