SOL trash NZ in historic 5-0 win

The Solomon Islands National under 16 squad have hammered the New Zealand under 16 team to secure a historic 5-0 win on home turf to go top of group A in the OFC under 16 championship in Honiara.

Wonder kid Rafael Leai was instrumental in the win, bagging a brace , and one assist.

Both teams started fairly in during kickoff, but it was the home side who showed more determination, pushing a high line early one, piling pressure on the Kiwi defence.

The opening goal came in the 17th minute after a third corner was headed in by defender Javin Wae from a Leai cross to give the home boys the lead.

Rafael Leai on the attack.

Rafael Leai added the second goal in the 41st minute after a goal keeping error by Luca Taylor, a stunning finish from a tight angle and just out of  Taylor’s reach.

Despite some late efforts by the Kiwis, the home side held on to finish the first half by 2-0.

The second half saw some energetic and fast paced football played by both sides.

Oscar Hattum nearly got one back for the Kiwis after smashing a cross across the face of the goal ,finding Joseph LEE but his header was blocked out for a corner by the defender.

Solomon Islands continued their onslaught, which finally paid off just 10 minutes into the second half, Captain Leon Kofana making it three for Solomon Islands as he puts the finishing touch on a free kick.

Steward Quanafia goes past New Zealand’s Nathan Lobo.

Although the the Kiwis continued the game playing more passes, the  home side continued the game outpacing the tiring Kiwis.

Leai added the fourth goal in thw 81st minuted from a Philip Ropa cross, and Maxwell Keana landed the final blow five minutes later to end the game by 5-0.

With the win, Solomon Islands now take the lead in group A with six points, and will next faced Melanesian rivals Vanuatu to complete their pool games.

In the earlier match today, Papua New Guinea also thrashed Vanuatu by 5-0 to secure their first win in the tournament.

 

By: Lowen Sei. 

 

 

 

 

 

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