Totori scores five as Solomon's run rampant against a hapless Cooks

Waitakere United striker Benjamin Totori was once again the shining star for the Solomon Islands, en route to their 11-0 drubbing of the Cook Islands in Match Day Two of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers, yesterday.

Totori looks to have the golden boot race all sewn up after scoring five times against the Cook’s taking his tally to eight goals from five games.

He was joined on the score sheet by Alick Maemae (2), Joachmi Waroi (2), Joses Nawo and Franklyn Forau.

The Cook Island side made an encouraging opening to the game and took the game to the Solomon’s early on. However their endeavour was not rewarded with goals and Totori opened his account in the ninth minute and never looked back.

The goals kept coming at a constant rate and the Cook Island defence had little room to breath after classy link up play and finishing from Totori, Maemae and Waroi.

Things went from bad to worse for the Cook’s when Tom Le Mouton was sent for an early shower after picking up two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

The score line didn’t reflect the tremendous determination and work ethic of the Cook Island side who ,despite the score, didn’t give in until the final whistle.

The Solomon side look a classy outfit and they will look forward to being tested against tougher opposition on Match Day Three.

Cook Island Coach Tim Jerks was humble in defeat.

“It’s great watching the Solomon’s play football. They have great support play around the ball, players make runs off the ball which are difficult to contain and my congratulations go out to their side.

“We have a very young squad and my guys will learn from this experience and our job now is to get the boys back recovered in time for the next game and work on our weaknesses.”

Solomon Island's Coach Luke Eroi was very happy with his side’s performance and the result.

“It’s very pleasing to watch, everyone is on their game and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, in the other two matches New Zealand downed a much determined Vanuatu side 2-0 whilst Fiji bounched from their defeat against New Zealand to claim a 7-1 trounching of PNG. Solomon Islands now leads the table ahead of New Zealand after day two of matches played.

Source: OFC