Kings strike first in Auckland with crucial 2-1 victory
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands champions Solomon Kings FC have opened their OFC Pro League Challengers Group campaign in style after edging Tahiti United FC 2-1 in a tense clash at Erden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday.
Backed by a passionate group of Solomon Islands supporters waving the national colours of blue, yellow and green while chanting “Go Kings Go”, the Kings held their nerve late in the match to secure a valuable three points in their push for a semi-final playoff spot.
Despite Tahiti United starting brightly, Solomon Kings gradually settled into the contest with attacking duo Jez Lofthouse and Sota Higashide causing problems for the Tahitian side throughout the first half.
The Kings created several promising chances after the 20-minute mark, with Lofthouse delivering dangerous crosses while Tahiti goalkeeper Jackson Gardner was forced into key saves to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
The breakthrough finally came immediately after the restart.
Rafa Le’ai bundled home from close range just seconds into the second half following a clever build-up involving Higashide and Lofthouse to give Solomon Kings a 1-0 lead.
Tahiti United responded strongly and thought they had equalised in the 62nd minute through Joseph Athale after a powerful strike from inside the area.
However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside after Franck Papaura was judged to have made contact with the ball while in an offside position.
The disallowed goal lifted the intensity of the contest as Tahiti United continued to press hard for an equaliser.
But with the Tahitian side pushing numbers forward, Solomon Kings struck again on the counterattack in the 83rd minute.
Lofthouse broke clear before calmly slotting home his fifth goal of the OFC Pro League campaign to extend the Kings’ lead to 2-0.
Tahiti United immediately answered back through Bradley Ruiz just a minute later to reduce the margin to 2-1 and set up a nervous finish.
The Solomon Kings defence, however, stood tall during five minutes of added time, clearing late pressure and denying Tahiti United a comeback.
The victory places Solomon Kings in a strong early position in the Challengers Group where every point could prove decisive in the race for a semi-final playoff berth.
According to OFC Media, Kings coach Samuel Garcia’s side showed composure under pressure and capitalised on their counterattacking opportunities at crucial moments.
Solomon Kings will now turn their attention to their next group match against Vanuatu FC on as they aim to continue their impressive run in Auckland.
Meanwhile, the second Challengers Group fixture scheduled after the Kings clash yesterday saw Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC take on Vanuatu United FC later in the day.
Photo: Supplied
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