Late comeback dents Solomon Kings’ top-four hopes in Fiji
[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Kings FC suffered a major blow to their OFC Pro League campaign after going down 2-1 to South Island United FC in a dramatic Round 5 encounter at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
In a match they needed to at least a draw to keep their top-four hopes firmly alive, the Kings instead let a first-half lead slip, with South Island United producing a strong second-half comeback to claim all three points.
“South Island United have all but assured themselves a place in the Leaders Group, coming from behind to defeat Solomon Kings FC 2-1,” OFC Media stated.
The result sees SIU climb to third place on 20 points, while “squeezing the Kings out of the top four,” the statement added.
The Kings made a bright breakthrough midway through the first half, with Jez Lofthouse capitalising on a defensive lapse to open the scoring in the 23rd minute.
“Jez Lofthouse nudged the ball into the bottom-right corner for the opening goal in the 23rd minute,” OFC Media noted.
Despite a slow start where SIU created early chances, the Kings gradually settled and took control, heading into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
However, the momentum shifted after the break.
South Island United came out with renewed intensity, applying consistent pressure on the Kings’ defence. A goal initially scored early in the second half was ruled out for offside, but it signalled a growing threat.
That pressure eventually paid off.
“Gray… snatching the equaliser for his side… in the 69th minute,” OFC Media said, after sustained attacking play from Southern Island United.
With the Kings struggling to regain control, the introduction of substitute Rovu Boyers proved decisive.
“Boyers… scoring the winner in the 81st minute… smashing the ball into the back of the net,” the OFC report added.
The Kings had moments late in the match, including a final push in stoppage time, but were unable to find an equaliser.
It marked a disappointing end to what had shaped as a promising outing after their first-half performance.
The loss now leaves Solomon Kings’ progression hopes uncertain, with their fate depending on other Round 5 results.
“It’s a crushing result for Solomon Kings, ending their Leaders Group hopes unless results elsewhere go their way,” OFC Media stated.
The match, which kicked off at 2pm Solomon Islands time, was the first of the day, with another fixture between Tahiti United FC and Vanuatu United FC scheduled later in the evening.
Following Round 5, the OFC Pro League will split into two groups, with only the top four advancing to the Leaders Group and, the bottom 4 to the challengers group to contest the semi-finals and final in Auckland next month.
Photo credit: OFC via PhototekNZ
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