3 – 3
“Andrew Malakai opens the scoring for Vanuatu”
Pivotal“Don Keana levels for Solomon Islands right before halftime”
Pivotal“Vanuatu restore their lead moments into the second half”
Pivotal“Vanuatu score again to go 3-2 up”
Pivotal“Solomon Islands snatch a dramatic late equaliser to make it 3-3”
Pivotal
Solomon Islands
VanuatuVanuatu were the more clinical side for long spells, converting 12 of their 16 shots on target into three goals despite Solomon Islands controlling 59% of possession. Andrew Malakai's early strike set the pattern, and Vanuatu twice restored their lead through the second half as Solomon Islands kept fighting back level. The hosts showed real character, with Don Keana's stoppage-time equaliser before the break and a dramatic 85th-minute leveller ensuring the match finished all square despite Vanuatu's superior efficiency in front of goal. For both teams this draw offers little to separate them heading into more competitive fixtures, though Vanuatu's chance conversion will be the more encouraging takeaway from a wildly open contest.
How entertaining was this match?
Solomon Islands and Vanuatu meet in a knockout friendly at Lawson Tama Stadium with no room for error — lose and the tournament run is over. The two Pacific neighbors have a tight recent head-to-head, setting up a tense, unpredictable encounter.
