As the second match of the 2024 Tri-Nations Friendly takes place today, Solomon Islands coach Josh Smith highlighted the team’s dedication to their distinctive style of play in the contest against Hong Kong.
“We’re beginning to mold the team into our desired playing style. Our focus will be on areas we want to develop and what we aim to achieve,” Smith stated.
This match follows a close 1-0 defeat against Fiji, determined by a penalty, which offered significant insights into the team’s current performance level.
Smith acknowledged the players’ efforts while pinpointing areas that need improvement.
“It was an excellent chance to observe the players in action. I appreciated the game spirit, and the intensity was impressive. We need to enhance certain aspects, especially defensively, such as our pressing tactics and our ability to regroup,” he remarked.
With a positive perspective for the upcoming encounter against Hong Kong, Smith considers it an essential opportunity for growth for his team.
“We’ll assess how it unfolds against Hong Kong, and it will serve as a valuable learning experience for the players,” he noted.
The Solomon Islands will face Hong Kong today at 7 PM at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.