Solomon Islands came within 90 minutes of advancing to the OFC-CONCACAF Playoff for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and will be hoping to go one better this time around. After defeating Tahiti in the group stage, they overcame Papua New Guinea in an epic semi-final before ultimately succumbing to New Zealand in the final. Much has changed since 2022 and a new coach and fresh group of players will be looking to make a positive impact when Group A action gets underway in Suva this week.
Australian Josh Smith is the man in charge for Solomon Islands and he’s tasked with improving upon a disappointing showing in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup earlier this year, when they lost both group stage matches en route to a first round elimination. It won’t be easy however, with their first group stage match seeing them face Fiji in Suva, with what will no doubt be a passionate home crowd in attendance. Navigate that challenge unscatched and fixtures against New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea in November will decide their fate.
Their fixture against New Caledonia on November 14 is one to keep an eye on. As well as being key in deciding the outcome of Group A, it’s also a rematch of the gold medal final at last year’s Pacific Games in Honiara, where Solomon Islands lost on penalties to New Caledonia in heartbreaking fashion. Smith hasn’t been in the hot seat long, so has had little time to adjust to the new role as he begins preparations for a pivotal few weeks.
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