The match is set to kick off in less than a minute, the Solomon Islands takes on Vanuatu after a successful outing yesterday where they beat New Caledonia 2-0.
Led by legendary former player Gideon Omokirio, the 2019 squad is determined to recapture the glory days and qualify for their sixth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
With their, fluent, aerial based style, Bilikiki are an exciting and entertaining proposition. The experienced quartet of Fred Hale, Nicholas Muri, Anthony Talo, James Naka will be joined by some fresh talent to provide a good mix of experience and youth.
“We will not take anything for granted and we will approach every game as a final. We respect all our opponents from New Caledonia to Tonga but we want to do well in this tournament and we will give 100 per cent in every match we play,” said coach Gideon Omokirio.
Vanuatu have a strong tradition in Oceania beach soccer and return to this year’s competition with a fresh long-term vision for the development of the sport in the country. Experienced coach Wilson Marango has been able to call on a number of players from previous campaigns but is also relying on the talents offered by a number high profile, technically well-equipped football players new to international beach soccer.
“Our prime objective is to revive the sport in Vanuatu by tasting it again at OFC level for the first time in six years. Our return to the competition will provide us with a growing confidence for future tournaments. We have been preparing since March and we believe in the potential of our emerging young talent which bodes well for our future,” Vanuatu coach Marango said.
With OFC Media