Micah Lea’alafa driving past a PNG defender Alwin Komolong during their game at Lawson Tama today.

A goal by Micah Lea’alafa in the 74th minute secured a vital maximum three points for Solomon Islands in the Group B Oceania World Cup Qualifier against Papua New Guinea this afternoon at Lawson Tama.

The tense match finished 3-2 in favour of the home side.

Atkin Kaua and Benjamin Totori scored the other two goals for Solomon Islands in the first half.

PNG scored a double after the start of the second half through Michael Foster and Patrick Aisa.

The win elevated Solomon Islands to go level with leader Tahiti on six points on the points table but still second due to goal calculations.

Solomon Islands will fly to Port Moresby for the second leg scheduled for Tuesday.