
The Solomons started stronger in the first quarter with James Naka and Gibson Hosea Purasi both hitting the woodwork of the Vanuatu goal.
But Solomons keeper Fred Hale could only parry away a powerful shot early in the second quarter and Vanuatu's Fenedy Masauvakalo was on-hand to dribble around Hale and shoot into the roof of the net.
Ken Masauvakalo then doubled Vanuatu's lead with some individual brilliance, hitting a blistering volley from distance that again beat a diving Hale for 2-0 with only four minutes left in the second period.
James Naka then came off the bench in the third quarter to throw his team a lifeline. The Solomons World Cup star beat two Vanuatu defenders with a strong run before passing to Robert Laua for a straight forward finish.
Naka then stepped up to score a well taken indivudal equaliser with four minutes left in the third period.
As the match went into three minutes of extra time it was Vanuatu who went up a gear; first Fenedy Masauvakalo scored from a penalty and then substitute Francois Sakama scored from open play to seal a impressive championship opening win.
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