The Solomon Islands have topped Group A and secured a semi-final spot after a 1-0 win over Tahiti in the last group stage match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship today in Samoa.
Both teams entered the match knowing the stakes. The Solomon Islands needed a win or a draw to top the group and progress, while Tahiti required a victory to ensure their place in the last four.
After a goalless first half, the match-winner came in the second period when Jimson Abana drove towards the byline before cutting the ball back for James Laena, who smashed it beyond the goalkeeper.
Today’s result makes it three wins in a row for the Solomon Islands, who managed to advance through the group stage without conceding a single goal.
They now await the results of tomorrow’s Group B matches to identify their semi-final opponents, while Tahiti finishes third in the group and will participate in the fifth place playoff on Tuesday.