Solomon Islands book World Cup playoff against New Zealand

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:43 am

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Solomon Islands are through to the Oceania World Cup qualifying playoff after securing top spot in Group B on Tuesday.

They needed just a point from their final match away to Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, but were up against it when Raymond Gunemba put the home side in front after 18 minutes.

But PNG's hopes were hit when Felix Komolong was sent off just after the half hour, with Henry Fa'arodo then equalising from the resulting penalty.

Jerry Donga scored what proved to be the winner for Solomon Islands on the stroke of half-time and they will now face New Zealand on Aug. 28 and Sept. 5, with the winners of that playoff going on to take on the fifth-placed nation from South America for a place in the finals.