OFC U 17 Championship

After playing outstanding football against New Zealand, going down just 2-1, Solomon Islands continued their impressive form into their final group match against the qualifier winners.

The first goal was ten minutes in the making and ended up being as easy as a tap in from Ali Mekawir, to open the scoring, his second coming in the 19thminute courtesy of a shot that slipped through Talita Hafoka’s fingers and between his legs.

New Zealand opened its goal scoring spree in the fifth minute with a Willem Ebbinge score following an indirect free kick, chesting it down and volleying into the net.

Goals continued in the first half with New Zealand taking its tally to 5-0 at half time.

Samoa had an early worry as keeper Eti Fatu took a knock in the first minute of the first half and required treatment.

New Zealand keeper Dylan Bennett had his first touch of the ball when he came out of his area to clear a shot from Lotial Mano in the 44th minute.