Solomons miss World Cup again as coach calls for action at home

The Solomon Islands Bilikiki are still waiting for their return to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after another narrow defeat to Tahiti, with their coach now calling for more regular competition at home.

The Bilikiki lost 4-3 to the hosts Tiki Toa in Saturday’s Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup final at Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae, missing out on a place at next year’s World Cup.

It is another painful chapter for a team that has not appeared at the global tournament since 2013 and has now missed six editions.

For head coach James Naka, the next step is clear.

“I think we are on the right direction but having a proper leaguer and active beach soccer competition and more tournament back home is highly recommended. This will help us to be more competitive in our quest for World Cup qualification in the future,” he said.

The defeat was especially frustrating because the Bilikiki pushed the home side all the way, with the final producing the same 4-3 scoreline as the two sides’ meeting in the 2024 qualifying final in Honiara.

Tahiti celebrate another Oceania title on home sand. Photo/Facebook/OFC

“My boys performed well and gave the Tiki Toa a hard time. However, just some sloppy performance in the final period that drove us away from our game plan which resulted on the defeat.”

Despite missing out, Naka was pleased with the effort from his players, singling out goalkeeper James Do’oro after another demanding contest.

“But I’m really satisfied with the overall performance especially from our goalkeeper who did an excellent job. It’s a tough match with a lot of crucial shots on target but he managed them, resulting on the close margin at fulltime.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the world stage, but I thank all our fans back home and abroad for their support.”

Do’oro was named player of the match and gave the credit to his team-mates, with the Bilikiki goalkeeper saying their unity helped them challenge the tournament hosts.

“It’s a very tough match against the Tiki Toa who were not only the Oceania champions, but their performance was world clash. This is not the result we all wanted.”

For forward Felix Talo, the tournament was also a personal milestone as he made his first appearance for Solomon Islands at the competition.

“It’s not an easy match. We tried our best, but we didn’t manage to make it past the Tiki Toa.

“I’m proud of my teammates especially for myself who came into the tournament for the first time representing Solomon Islands. The pressure is high and I’m looking forward to building my confidence and return stronger in the future.”

Fans pack the stands as the Bilikiki fight for a place at the World Cup. Photo/Facebook/OFC

Tahiti now head to the next stage as Oceania champions after claiming their fifth continental title and securing their ninth World Cup appearance.

The hosts also dominated the individual awards, with Ro’onui Tinirauarii winning the Golden Boot, Heirauarii Salem taking the Golden Ball and Teava Teamotuaitau claiming the Golden Glove.

New Caledonia took bronze after beating Vanuatu 4-3 in the third-place play-off. It was their third appearance at the tournament and their second bronze medal, while Vanuatu finished fourth for the second time.

Vanuatu goalkeeper Charlie Boe said his side could still take plenty from the campaign. “We get a lot of positives from the tournament.”

Listen to Solomon Islands Felix Talo after their final match against Tahiti as the Bilikiki claim silver at OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup.

For the Bilikiki, Naka says the focus now turns back home.

With another World Cup campaign gone, Naka’s call for a proper domestic league and more regular beach soccer tournaments offers a clear challenge for Solomon Islands: build the game at home if they want to close the gap on Tahiti and return to the world stage.

Elton Lonaratha Jnr, a journalism student at Wintec, is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.