Micah will be leading Solomon Islands as it face off with New Caledonia in Saturday’s gold medal match. Photos: Micah Alvince, Pacific Games News Service
The Solomon Islands national men’s football team has surged to the Sol2023 Pacific Games gold medal match, captivating fans and pundits alike with their impressive performances.
The upcoming clash against the seven-time Pacific Games football champions, New Caledonia, on Saturday promises to be a historic battle for the coveted gold medal.
The hosts’ outstanding run is credited to the collective efforts of the coaching team, players, and the unwavering support of home fans.
A pivotal turning point in their campaign has been the return of Micah Lea’alafa to the national team, following his surprising retirement in July.
Lea’alafa’s comeback has been a big boost to the Solomon Islands squad, elevating hopes for a triumphant finish in the finals.
His impact has been nothing short of extraordinary, leading the hosts through the group stages and securing a spot in the gold medal match with a crucial goal against Fiji in the semi-final at Lawson Tama on Tuesday.
Known for his football vision, exceptional ball distribution and talent for creating goal-scoring opportunities, Lea’alafa has emerged as one of the key players in Solomon Islands’ pursuit of their first ever gold medal in the Pacific Games football competition.
Expressing confidence ahead of the final showdown, Solomon Islands’ national men’s football coach, Felipe Arango, commended Lea’alafa’s star performance in the semi-final.
“Micah did a fantastic job in the semi-finals and with the team effort, we got through to the grand final,” Arango said.
The tough lineup of the host team includes other key players such as John Orobulu and Raphael Lea’i, who, alongside Bobby Lesley, will be leading Solomon Islands’ front line.
Javin Wae, Junior Aengari, and Supa form a solid defence, while Tigi Molea and Lea’alafa will be the driving force in the midfield.
Despite acknowledging the anticipated challenges in facing New Caledonia, Arango remains optimistic about his team’s capabilities.
He emphasised the importance of crowd support, hoping for a repeat of the spirited support they received in the semi-final.
Solomon Islands face New Caledonia at the National Stadium at 10am on Saturday in the men’s gold medal match.
By Carlos Aruafu, Pacific Games News Service
