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