18/12/2024
๐๐๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ก๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฌ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฆ
Vanuatu reignited their campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over the Solomon Islands Development Team in an intense clash at the National Stadium today.
The match began at a blistering pace, with both teams pressing high and creating chances at either end.
Vanuatuโs Jonathan Spooky-Jack had the gameโs first clear opportunity, forcing Development goalkeeper Ronny Sale into a sharp, diving save. Sale was exceptional throughout the opening half, denying multiple Vanuatu attempts with calm and composed goalkeeping.
A blow to the home side came midway through the first half when captain Dennis Ifunaoa was forced to leave the field due to injury, paving the way for young talent Jimson Abana to step up.
Despite the setback, the Development Teamโs defense held firm against the experienced Vanuatu attack, led by forwards Jean Ka**ak, B**g Kalo, and Alex Saniel.
However, just before the halftime whistle, Saniel seized his moment. Finding himself unmarked inside the penalty area, he unleashed a low drive past Sale, giving Vanuatu a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw an uptick in energy as coaches Franco Neโe and Stanley Waita made strategic adjustments, injecting fresh legs into their squads.
Abana proved to be a handful for Vanuatuโs defense, particularly in aerial battles against Nicolas King.
The Development Teamโs persistence paid off when Paul Francis latched onto a low cross, deftly lobbing the ball over the Vanuatu goalkeeper to level the scoreline.
Despite a spirited response from the hosts, including opportunities for Abana and Junior Jack Ani, a lack of clinical finishing proved costly. Vanuatu capitalized on their chances, with B**g and Ka**ak combining effectively โ resulting in a penalty when substitute goalkeeper Timothy Maerasia brought down Ka**ak in a one-on-one situation.
Kalo stepped up from the spot and his powerful strike was mishandled by Maerasia to put Vanuatu again in front.
Ka**ak then put the visitors out of the stretch from an acute angle that was ill-timed by Maerasia and secured the much-needed win.
The result moves Vanuatu up to third in the standings with four points, keeping their hopes alive in the competition for the remaining match days.
