Solomon Islands’ forward Ali Mekawir makes history in English FA Cup

An important achievement for Solomon Islands football was sealed today as the talented youngster Ali Mekawir turned himself into the first ever Solomon Islander to score a goal in the well-known English FA Cup. The player helped his side Langney Wanderers to surpass Tower Hamlets by 3-1 in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup – the first elimination round of the tournament.

Mekawir was not the only Solomon Islander involved in the game; his compatriot Ian Kula also represented Langney Wanderers in the game and ended up collecting the Man of the Match award in his side win in the first round of the FA Cup.

Both Mekawir and Kula travelled to England alongside Solomon Islands’ private football academy Royals for a period of trainings and friendly matches in the country. Both players caught attention of Langney Wanderers and signed a deal to represent the club. Mekawir already represented Solomon Islands at both U17 and U20 levels internationally.

Langney current plays in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division, the 9th tier of football in England. The first matches of the league will be played on 5th September, but the dream of the FA Cup continues for Langney as they head for the next round of the tournament after beating Tower Hamlets in the first match of the 2020/21 season – counting on talent coming from Pacific might be instrumental for Lagney in the new season.