Fiji’s Dramatic Penalty Victory Ends in Heartbreak

Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands in a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning 6-5 after their last group match of the 2024 OFC Men’s Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Honiara ended in a 2-2 draw. Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and Steven Dean scored for Fiji during regular play. Waranaivalu converted Fiji’s first penalty, followed by successful attempts from Dean, Adriu Nabose, France Catarogo, and goalkeepers Sanaila Waqanicakau and Ilisoni Koro. Despite this victory, Fiji’s performance in previous matches, including losses of 8-6 to Papua New Guinea and 10-1 to Tahiti, meant they could not qualify for Saturday’s final, which will feature defending champions Tahiti and the Solomon Islands.