The Digicel Junior Bula Boys went down 1-4 to the Solomon Islands U23 national side in the Tri-Nations FIFA International Friendlies at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday (Monday, March 20).
The Ronil Lal-coached side scored first in the 30th minute through Abdullah Aiyas free kick from 40 yards which caught Solomon Island goalkeeper Michael Laulae napping.
The host had an opportunity to double its advantage eight minutes later after referee Veer Singh awarded a penalty to the Solomon Islands defender fouled Samueal Navasa in the penalty box.
Junior Dekedeke stood up to take the spot kick but his shot went over the crossbar.
Solomon Islands striker Adrian Mara brought the visitors back into the match equalising on the stroke of halftime.
Both teams went into the breather-locked 1-all.
The Felipe Vega-Avango-coached side started the second spell with energy which saw captain William Komasi extending the lead just from the first whistle.
Mohammed Mekawir further extended Solomon Islands’ lead from the penalty spot while Bobby Leslie sealed the victory in the 87th minute after a defensive blunder by the Junior Bula Boys.
Junior Bula Boys coach Lal said he was not disappointed with the loss.
“I am not disappointed about our defeat as we have learned a lot from the match,” said Lal
“There are lots of positives we are taking from playing against a more experienced team and we will work on the areas we have seen today to improve (Monday) before our next match,”
Lal said playing against a senior and stronger team was good for the boys.
“We are using this friendly as part of our preparation for the FIFA U20 World Cup which will be played in Indonesia in May,” said Lal
The Samuela Navice-captained side Digicel Fiji U20 side will take on Digicel Bula Boys in its second match on Thursday at 2 pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka while the Solomon Islands will face Vanuatu at 5 pm.
