THE Vodafone Fiji U16 side has bowed out of the OFC Under-16 Championship in the Solomon Islands going down 3-1 to the hosts in the semi-finals today.
The hosts scored the opening goal in the first minute through Charles Mani.
Mani scored his team’s second goal in the 29th minute.
Nikhi Pillay pulled one back for Fiji just before half-time.
The hosts added a third late in the match to secure their spot in next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru.
Fiji’s Inoke Turagalailai was sent off in the second spell for a second bookable offence.
The young Fijian players broke down in tears after the final whistle as their dreams of playing in next year’s World Cup is now over.
It was jubilation for the home side though after securing a spot in the FIFA tournament.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela was at the grounds watching the match and congratulated the home side for the qualification.
The semi-final between Tahiti and New Zealand kick starts at 4pm.
