On Thursday, the Solomon Islands will play against Tahiti at the Al-Arabi Stadium in a World Cup 2022 qualifying match with a kickoff at 5 pm.
The Solomon Islands will have to remain focused to reach the inter-confederation playoffs. Before COVID-19 outbreaks, the side ranked 141 in the world got their campaign of the perfect start, with a 2-0 victory over the Cook Islands.
Atkin Kaua grabbed the opener in the 25th minute before Alwin Hou scored what proved to be the final goal in first-half stoppage time to secure the Solomon Islands a 2-0 victory.
Although they are expected to get through to the World Cup semi-finals anyway, Felipe Vega-Arango’s side will be looking to carry momentum into the final four with a win over Tahiti.
Then, they will have a free run to the final in September, but the reigning champions can also avoid new Zealand in the last four. Although it is unlikely Tahiti will be able to top Group B, Thursday’s game represents their only group stage game.
Garcia’s charges will be confident that they can pick up the three points in their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against the Solomon Islands. They seek inspiration from the 3-0 win that they achieved against the Solomons in their last competitive meeting in 2019.
Solomon Islands vs Tahiti Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other at this competition stage. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Cook Islands 0-2 Solomon
- Singapore 4-3 Solomon
- Fiji 1-1 Solomon
- Solomon 2-2 New Zealand
- New Zealand 6-1 Solomon
Away
- Tahiti 1-2 Papua New Guinea
- Papua New Guinea 1-3 Tahiti
- Solomon 1-0 Tahiti
- Tahiti 1-1 New Caledonia
- Papua 2-2 Tahiti
Solomon Islands Team News
Tahiti’s all-time goal scorer Teaonui Tehau will be an important player in the side, and they could join him in an attack by Raimana Li Fung Kuee. Meanwhile, Teaonui Tehau’s cousin Alwin Tehau is expected to feature in midfield.
Tahiti Team News
Kaua and Hou scored in the opening qualifier, so they’ll be in the starting lineup against the Cook Islands. Gagame Feni came on in the second half against Cook Islands, and he could be in contention to start on Thursday.
Prediction and Odds
Tahiti will have had plenty of time to prepare for this encounter following the postponement of their match with Vanuata, and we think Tahiti’s fresh legs will help them claim a narrow win on Thursday.
- Tahiti Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- Most Goals: 2H
