Katukatu qualifies for FIFA U-17 World Cup
BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands men’s Katukatu team has secured a historic place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2027 after defeating hosts Papua New Guinea in a dramatic penalty shootout at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby over the weekend.
The victory sees Solomon Islands join New Zealand and Fiji as Oceania’s three representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar next year after defeating hosts with a 4-1 score victory.
According to OFC over the weekend, Henry Fa’arodo’s side spent much of the third-place playoff under pressure but showed great determination to come from behind and snatch victory from Papua New Guinea to secure the final World Cup qualification spot.
Speaking to OFC after the match, captain George Lea’i praised his teammates for their commitment throughout the tournament.
“I am proud of my teammates for this victory. We never stopped believing and kept fighting until the end,” Lea’i said.
He also thanked supporters, families and fans both in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea for their prayers and encouragement.
“Thank you to everyone back home and those here in PNG for your support. Above all, I thank God for giving me the strength to perform for my country,” he said.
Goalscorer Adriano Kabolo said the team never lost hope despite trailing for most of the match.
“We fought until the final whistle and stayed focused for the penalty shootout. We are very happy to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup,” Kabolo said.
“I want to thank all our supporters in Papua New Guinea and everyone back home in Solomon Islands for believing in us and supporting us throughout the tournament.”
Papua New Guinea dominated the opening half and created the better chances, with striker Boas Tommy twice denied by Solomon Islands goalkeeper Eddie Aefi. The hosts also struck the crossbar before defender Bomecge Basananuc had a header cleared off the goal line.
The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when Papua New Guinea captain Matthew Sopo fired a powerful first-time shot into the top corner to put the hosts ahead.
However, the Solomon Islands refused to give up. In the 84th minute, PNG goalkeeper Luther Rodney failed to hold onto a routine cross, allowing Adriano Kabolo to pounce and score the equaliser to force the match into a penalty shootout.
Having lost to Fiji on penalties in the semi-finals, the Katukatu held their nerve this time, converting four spot kicks while Papua New Guinea missed two. Captain George Lea’i calmly slotted home the winning penalty to seal a famous victory and spark jubilant celebrations.
According to OFC, the win sends Solomon Islands to its second FIFA U-17 World Cup, and its first appearance in eight years after previously qualifying in 2019. It is also the country’s highest finish at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship since hosting the tournament in 2018.
The team’s achievement marks another milestone for Solomon Islands football and secures its place on the world stage once again.
Photo credit: OFC
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