The side have two further friendlies lined up for the short tour of Australia as they attempt to kick-start what coaching staff are confident will be a strong build-up to the region’s most anticipated tournaments.
“We really want to use this trip as the stepping stone to our campaign later on this year so we want to be challenged and learn as much as we can to strengthen our team,” assistant coach Gideon Omokirio said ahead of the side’s departure from Honiara.
“This is mostly a young team so this experience will be important to us.”
One player lending his extensive experience is Henry Fa’arodo who has enjoyed stints in the A-League and New Zealand’s Premiership during his career.
The veteran midfielder says it was a fantastic first-up performance from the team against some much-fancied opponents.
“We conceded four soft goals which should have been dealt with by our defenders,” he says.
While the first half was a bit up-and-down but they managed to get themselves together just ahead of the break before putting on a much stronger performance in the second period.
“We controlled the game and created more than four goal scoring opportunities and we did look dangerous going foward on the counter in the attacking third of the pitch.
“In the second half we started the game stronger and we moved the ball more positively.”
The Solomon Islands’ second friendly is against Bonnyrigg FC before they conclude the series against Marconi Stallions on Sunday 7 February.
Solomon Islands travelling squad
Benjamin TOTORI
Moffat KILIFA
Haddis Aengari GAGAME
Matson FENNY
Dennis IFUNAOA
Fred FAKARI
Allen PETER
Harrison MALA
Gibson DAUDAU
Tigi MOLEA
Jerry Lou DONGA
James DO’ORO
Timothy BAKALE
Charlie OTAINAO
Gagame FENI
Abraham MAEZAMA
Henry FA’ARODO
Judd MOLEA
Joses NAWO
Phillip MANGO
For more on Solomon Islands football visit www.siff.com.sb.

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