By Shubham Dupare
Solomon Islands take on Papua New Guinea in their FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture on Sunday (12am Monday March 28 2022 PNG Time).
Solomon Islands start as favorites, having scored three goals against Tahiti, as many as PNG have scored in three games. Solomon Islands also secured a 2-0 win against the Cook Islands, which was struck out by FIFA, though.
Solomon Islands vs Papua New Guinea Head-to-Head
There have been 15 meetings between the two teams across competitions. The hosts have been the better team in this fixture, leading 10-2 in wins, while three games have ended in draws.
PNG are without a win in their three meetings with Solomon Islands in FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures. Two games ended in wins for the Bonitos, whole one ended in a draw.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams since their FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2017, which the hosts won 2-1.
In a 2022 FIFA World Cup semis of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the Solomon Islands and PNG will square off at the Grand Hamad Stadium on Sunday.
The Solomon Islands and Tahiti from Group A were already certain of a place in the semis after Vanuatu and Cook Islands dropped out because of COVID-19 cases. The Solomon Islands secured a 3-1 win against Tahiti, thanks to Raphael Ohanua Lea’i Jr’s hat-trick.
PNG, meanwhile, finished second behind New Zealand in Group B, securing two wins in a row after a loss against the All-Whites in their campaign opener.
Solomon Islands form guide (all competitions): W-D-W-L-L.
Papua New Guinea form guide (all competitions): W-W-L-D-W.
Solomon Islands vs Papua New Guinea Team News
Solomon Islands
A 25-man squad was announced by coach Felipe Vega-Arango for the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Prolific striker Jaygray Sipakana failed to make it to the final squad due to incomplete COVID-19 vaccination status.
Emmanuel Poila and Alick Kitalo have traveled to Qatar but have not been included in the final squad. Javin Wae Alick shrugged off an injury, featuring against Tahiti. They have no reported injuries or suspensions for this game.
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Unavailable: Jaygray Sipakana, Emmanuel Poila and Alick Kitalo.
Papua New Guinea
David Muta was injured in the opening fixture of the campaign and is the only injury concern for the Kapuls.
Injured: David Muta.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Unavailable: None.
Solomon Islands vs Papua New Guinea Predicted XIs
Solomon Islands (4-4-2): Philip Mango (GK); Iani Lagwai Kalu, Hadisi Aengari, Javin Wae Alick, Leon Kofana; William Komasi, Atkin Kaua, Micah Lea’alafa, Don Keana; Raphael Ohanua Lea’i Jr, Adrian Mara.
Papua New Guinea (3-5-2): Roland Warisan (GK); Alwin Komolong, Daniel Joe, Felix Komolong; Emmanuel Airem, Godfrey Haro, Michael Foster, Jacob Sabua, Yagi Yasasa; Ati Kepo, Patrick Aisa.
