Talismanic striker Benjamin Totori was the first to strike for the home side as he darted past three defenders to slot home.
The play was started by defender Fred Fakarii who picked up a poor clearance by Papua New Guinea. Lurking on the left wing was Moffat Kilifa who picked up a quick pass from Micah Lea’alafa which he directed into the centre for Totori to finish from outside the eighteen yard box.
The second goal for Solomon Islands came via Joses Nawo just ahead of the break.
It was the Solomon Islands first outing since the FIFA World Cup qualifier loss to New Zealand three years ago and expectations were netural as a result of that fact.
Coach Moses Toata was overjoyed with the result and full of praise for his players, however admitted areas remain where improvements can be made.
“Firstly, I want to acknowledge my boys and thank them for their hard work this afternoon. They held on to our game plan despite the challenges and ensured that we finished with a victory,” the home side’s coach says.
“There are some areas in which the players were lacking and we need to patch them up before the next match. In the second half the play was slowed down too much and this allowed our opponents to gain ground against us.”
The second half was a much better showing from the visitors with young striker Tommy Semmy coming close on several occasions as well as match captain Raymond Gunemba.
Their coach Flemming Serritslev congratulated the hosts but pointed out that his side picked up their game in the second half.
“Congratulations to Solomon Islands for the win; they deserved the win today,” Serritslev says.
“My side made mistakes and allowed our opponents to control much of the first half. I think we played better in the second half but initially we played with too much respect and should be more challenging.”
The visitors will have an opportunity to get their revenge on Sunday when the two sides play a second friendly at 2pm before they return home to Papua New Guinea.

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