Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands in a tense penalty shootout, winning 6-5 in their final group match of the 2024 OFC Men’s Beach Soccer Nations Cup held in Honiara. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, requiring penalties to determine the victor.
Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and Steven Dean scored Fiji’s goals during regulation time. Waranaivalu successfully converted Fiji’s first penalty, leading the team as they secured five successful attempts in total, including contributions from Dean, Adriu Nabose, France Catarogo, and goalkeepers Sanaila Waqanicakau and Ilisoni Koro.
Despite this victory, Fiji did not advance to the final, which will feature defending champions Tahiti facing off against the Solomon Islands. Earlier in the tournament, Fiji suffered losses to Papua New Guinea and Tahiti, with scores of 8-6 and 10-1 respectively.