Suva’s Merrill Nand emerged as the hero for the Bula Boys, salvaging a thrilling 3-3 draw against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby last night. This match marked the first men’s international for the Fijian team on home soil under the guidance of coach Felipe Vega-Arango.
The game got off to a perfect start for Fiji, as Joseph Joe capitalized on a loose ball to put his team ahead just two minutes into the match. Papua New Guinea responded in the 43rd minute when Thomas Dunn scored with a remarkable header from a cross by Setareki Hughes, leveling the score just before halftime.
The hosts regained control shortly after the restart, with Ati Kepo scoring in the 45th minute, taking advantage of another loose ball to make it 2-1. Fiji’s Captain Roy Krishna then equalized by converting a penalty in the 54th minute, demonstrating both skill and composure.
As the match progressed into a gripping finale, excitement mounted with both teams vying for a decisive goal. In a dramatic turn of events, veteran Raymond Gunemba scored a stunning header in injury time, seemingly securing a win for Papua New Guinea. However, Fiji quickly retaliated with Nand’s well-placed header off a precise delivery from Nabil Begg just seconds later, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Following this thrilling encounter, Fiji sits in second place in Group A with four points, trailing New Caledonia, who lead with six points.
This match not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlights the resilience and fighting spirit of the Bula Boys, providing hope for their upcoming matches. The tie reflects the potential for growth and success in Fijian football as they gain experience on the international stage. With strong performances like Nand’s, the future looks bright for the team.
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