The Solomon Islands Kurukuru boys have defeated Fiji 5-3 at a packed FMF Dome in Suva Fiji.
Fiji came out hoping to cause an upset and could not have asked for a better start, scoring an excellent goal courtesy of Mohammed Shalmeen. Fiji maintained the lead throughout most of the first half. Kurukuru did most of the attacking and Fiji defending their goalmouth with sheer determination. It only seemed a matter of time before Kurukuru would strike back, and strike back they did with a wonderful set piece, finished ever so skilfully by Jenan Kapu.The second half was an all Kurukuru show, Ragomo called the plays from the back while Micah Lea'alafa and Jack Wetney dazzled the crowd with their ball handling skills. Within 1 minute into the first half Micah Lea'alafa slotted one home much to the delight of Solomon Islanders in the building. 6 minute later Lea'alafa struck again from an excellent through ball from Ragomo. Ragomo scored another goal followed shortly by a beautiful solo effort from Wetney. Fiji replied with two goals, one from a penalty and another from a fast break.
The Solomon Islands will today take on Vanuatu, aiming to settle old scores.
Kurukuru coach Dickson Kadau says that the team is taking one game at a time and are quietly confident. Coach Kadau said that every team wants to win, "we just need to stay focussed and we should be fine."