10-man Solomon Warriors defeated in O-League opener
Jerry Donga charges forward for the Warriors. Photo: OFC
Solomon Islands’ OFC Champions League representative the Solomon Warriors lost their first game yesterday by two goals to nil against Vanuatu side Erakor Golden Star.
Despite having plenty of opportunities, both teams finished the first half nil all.
The Solomon Warriors played with one man down after goalkeeper Abraham Bird was red-carded in the 62nd minute after handling the ball outside the penalty box.
Barry Mansale broke the deadlock in the 66th minute through a wonderfully taken free kick to put Erakor ahead.
The Vanuatu side scored their second goal a minute later through Tony Kaltack after a quick counter attack to compound the Warriors’ misery.
The Solomon Warriors will face New Caledonia side AS Lossi on Thursday in their second Group B game.
The country’s second O-League representative, Marist FC, will go up against New Zealand’s Team Wellington next Saturday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
By Lowen Sei