Solomon Islands have ended their FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers campaign on a high with a victory over hosts Papua New Guinea.
Both sides were resigned to their fate, with Solomon Islands eliminated after their loss on Thursday to New Caledonia, whilst Fiji’s draw earlier in the day meant Papua New Guinea could no longer advance to the semi-finals.
The opening 45 minutes were high on intensity but low on chances, as both sides failed to establish ascendency for long periods of time. Tommy Semmy had a half-chance, bringing down a cross from Logan Biwa but his effort lacked pace.
Moments later, captain Alwin Komolong got on the end of a corner, but his header floated over the bar, landing on the roof of the net.
Much like the day’s earlier fixture, there was a sting in the tail as the first-half reached a conclusion. Junior David found space on the inside-left channel, showing smart footwork to beat his man and hammer an effort past Dave Tomare and into the roof of the net.
Komolong was again a threat in the air as the second period began, his second header more accurate than his first, though the ball this time was cleared off the line and Joshua Smith’s side survived.
A neat set-play almost doubled Solomon Islands’ lead on the hour mark. Rafa Le’ai tee’d up but his low effort smacked the base of the post, and the lead remained at one.
The second goal did eventually come, with 68 minutes on the clock. Substitute Micah Lea’alafa – who had only been on the pitch for three minutes – broke the offside trap before poking his effort underneath Tomare and giving his side a two-goal cushion.
Ati Kepo then missed a golden opportunity to halve the lead. With time and space six yards out, he contrived to lift his effort over the bar when found by Tommy Semmy.
Semmy was determined to make his mark on the scoreboard. A brilliant left-footed rocket of a cross from Raymond Gunemba found its way to Tommy Semmy, who rose to the occasion, powering a header into the top-right corner of the net.
The World Cup dream ends here for both sides but plenty of lessons will have been learned as they look to the future.
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Tommy SEMMY 90+1′)
Solomon Islands: 2 (Junior DAVID 41’, Micah LEA’ALAFA 68′)
HT: 0-1
