Solomon Islands have edged past their Melanesian rivals Vanuatu 1-0 in the second Group B clash at the 2016 OFC Nations Cup at Port Moresby's Sir John Guise Stadium in PNG
Solomon Islands had to withstand an early onslaught by Vanuatu who seemed to be in total control in the opening 15 minutes.
Pressing high up the field, Vanuatu striker Kensi Tangis looked particularly dangerous, causing plenty of problems to the Solomons’ defenders with his physical presence and movement.
However for all their early dominance Vanuatu had nothing to show for, and they were made to pay in the 19th minute when the Bonitos took the lead courtesy of Jerry Donga, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Seiloni Iaruel in a one-on-one situation inside the box.
The goal seemed to have settled the nerves of the Solomon players who began to control possession and territory to hold onto their lead going into the break.
The best chance of the second half fell to veteran Solomon Islands' striker Benjamin Totori, whose shot from inside the box in the 69th minute looked to be heading for the target forcing an acrobatic diving save by Seloni Iaruel.
In the final 20 minutes, Vanuatu tried to press forward searching for an equaliser, but couldn’t break down the Solomons defence.
Winning coach Moses Toata Moses heaped praise on his players.
“I'm very happy for the boys, it was a job well done. To our fans back at home I think the boys did it tonight, we tried to stick to our game plan and we managed to hold on to get the three point. We approach each game differently and from what we have seen we will go back to the drawing board with Ramon [Tribulietx]. From what I've seen so far we stepped it up from our last game.”
Meanwhile, Vanuatu coach Moise Poida couldn’t hide his disappointment
“Of course I'm not very happy because I believe we played better than them but they had perhaps more experienced players than us. But I think we played better. We managed the ball better, the thing is the final touch in the final third was a big problem for us. But it's ok we accept it, we still have another two games to go.”
The action at the 2016 OFC Nations Cup will continue on Sunday from 4pm local when tournament hosts Papua New Guinea face New Caledonia at Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium.
Tahiti will begin their title defence against Group A rivals Samoa from 7pm.
Pic: Vanuatu Football