HONIARA: The Solympics have secured Solomons fate in the Telekom Wantok Cup tournament following their 2-1 victory over the visiting Vanuatu side at Lawson Tama on Saturday.
A win for Vanuatu in their final match against Solomon Bonito this afternoon will not affect the standing as Solympics is on four points having played two matches already.
Solympics’ win had elevated them to the top of table and a chance to scoop the $40,000 cash prize and trophy that is up for grabs. However, if the Bonitos beat Vanuatu by three goals and not concede any, they stand a descent chance to top the table and claim the top prize.
Both Bonito and Vanuatu would want to end the tournament on high and it is anticipated that there will be plenty of drama in the final match.
Vanuatu is bent on avenging their loss to what is regarded as Solomons next senior national players in waiting and would definitely line-up its best for this match.
Having conceded two goals from the Solympics they would want to keep a clean sheet in their match with the senior boys – a feat that only the 90 minutes of play will determine.
In their match against the Solympics, Ezra Sale was the toast of his side. He mesmerised the Vanuatu defence with his blistering pace to score his sides’ two goals in each halves of the match to secure three important tournament points which will play a huge part in their final position.
Solympics head coach, Luke Eroi, had gambled with his players going into this match because he knew little about the Vanuatu team.
Speaking in a post match interview prior to their game with Vanuatu, Eroi said he had no idea about them [Vanuatu] adding that if his boys could settle down inside the first 15 minutes then he predicted a win for them.
Vanuatu Head Coach Malas Williams was philosophical about the defeat when asked about what his boys did not do right resulting in their loss.
He said he had to replace some of his boys because they had not performed in the match.
Williams hinted that players who did not perform would be sidelined in the second match against Solomon Bonito.
A likely starter in this afternoon for Vanuatu would be one of Oceania’s top goalkeepers Chikau Mansale who ply his trade in Brisbane Australia.
The Vanuatu coach said the team to play against the Bonito would be different from the one that played the Solympics.
Meanwhile, presentation of prizes will be conducted straight after the match this evening at Lawson Tama.