Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a score of 6-5 in a penalty shootout during their final group match at the 2024 OFC Men’s Beach Soccer Nations Cup held in Honiara today.
The match was fiercely contested, concluding in a 2-2 draw, which necessitated a shootout to determine the winner. Fiji’s goals during regular time were scored by captain Tevita Waranaivalu and Steven Dean. Waranaivalu also converted Fiji’s first penalty. Alongside Waranaivalu, Dean, Adriu Nabose, France Catarogo, and goalkeepers Sanaila Waqanicakau and Ilisoni Koro successfully scored in the penalty shootout.
Despite this victory, Fiji did not advance to the final scheduled for Saturday, which will feature defending champions Tahiti and the Solomon Islands. Earlier in the tournament, Fiji faced defeats against Papua New Guinea, losing 8-6, and Tahiti, suffering a heavy 10-1 loss.