ON the opening day of the OFC Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – Oceania Qualifier 2024 in Samoa, the Solomon Islands national women’s team and Papua New Guinea (PNG) shared points in a 1-1 draw.
It was the first point in the campaign for both nations in Group A as the competition got underway.
The match was evenly contested from kick-off, but after thirty minutes of play, Lorina Solosaia made the difference for the Solomon Islands by receiving a clear pass from Ileen Pegi’s solo effort into the final third to place it perfectly.
PNG relied on their shooting abilities and had more shots on target compared to the Solomon Islands, who had to work from behind and create spaces down the wing.
Skipper Pegi posed early threats and had her moments.
Heading for the breather with the slender lead, the Bartram Suri-led side was motivated to go for the win when resuming the next 45 minutes.
With 20 minutes left to full-time, PNG found the equalizer from a well-taken Keren Kalapai shot that the Solomon Islands goalkeeper, Margaret Kofela, unexpectedly missed time in the top center.
The Solomon Islands will play their next match against American Samoa this Saturday, 10 February, at 11 am.
