Paul Francis shines with Hattrick as Solomon Islands secure third place at OFC U-19 Championship

Solomon Islands secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Fiji to clinch third place at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, with rising star Paul Francis delivering a standout performance with a hat-trick.

Both teams entered the match looking to rebound from narrow semi-final losses. Solomon Islands had conceded late in their 3-2 defeat to New Caledonia, while Fiji missed a crucial penalty in their 1-0 loss to New Zealand.

The first half saw high intensity but few scoring opportunities. Fiji controlled possession but failed to create clear chances. William Khan had the best opportunity, but his header from a free-kick went over the bar. As halftime approached, Eparama Moraica’s angled shot was well saved by George Harrison Rioa.

The second half, however, was a thrilling spectacle. Paul Francis, introduced at halftime, opened the scoring with a low, curling free-kick that beat Fiji’s goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro. Fiji quickly responded when captain Penisoni Tirau was fouled in the box, and Khan converted the resulting penalty. Francis continued to shine, capitalizing on a defensive error to put Solomon Islands back in front. The lead was extended in the 83rd minute when James Laena’s run down the right set up Besa Zopoa for an easy finish.

Fiji fought back with Tirau scoring to reduce the deficit, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in stoppage time. Francis completed his hat-trick, placing a left-footed shot in off the post after the referee played advantage.

This victory marked a successful conclusion to the tournament for Solomon Islands, highlighting Francis’s talent and promising future in the Telekom S-League with Real Kakamora.

Fiji, while not being able to finish with the third place, can look back to their performances and take good notes. Players like Sterling Vasconcellos, Penisoni Tirau and Eperama Moraica shown good prospects throughout the tournament and can be a foundation for a bright future.