The Fiji Under-19 football team has secured a place in the semifinal of the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, yesterday.
This achievement came after the team, coached by Marika Rodu, rebounded from a 3-0 loss to the Solomon Islands to decisively defeat Vanuatu 6-1.
Vanuatu took an early lead four minutes into the match when Ronn Tasarur received a long ball and set up Glen Maki, who scored from close range past Fiji goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro.
Fiji quickly responded to the early setback, equalizing through co-captain Penisoni Tirau. Ibraheem Afazal delivered a dangerous free kick, which Tirau headed into the net.
Twelve minutes later, Fiji took the lead again thanks to a strong run into the box by Eparama Moraica, who passed to Afazal for an easy goal.
Tirau nearly added another goal for Fiji with a length-of-the-field run and a pass to Moraica, whose shot was cleared off the line by Jean Patriano Natou.
Fiji’s third goal came shortly after, with Afazal scoring from a long-distance strike.
Afazal continued to play a crucial role, with his corner kick finding Sterling Vasconcellos, who headed the ball into the far corner.
Vanuatu, seeking a way back into the match, left gaps in their defense. Fiji capitalized on this during set pieces, with Vasconcellos scoring another header from a corner kick.
William Khan sealed the victory for Fiji with a header in the final moments, marking his first international goal.
Despite their efforts, Vanuatu couldn’t recover. Fiji’s win puts them at the top of Group A with six points. The outcome of the Tahiti vs. Solomon Islands match will determine their final standing in the group.
Vanuatu, after three defeats in the tournament, will play for seventh place on Tuesday.
Scorers:
Vanuatu: Glen Maki 4′
Fiji: Penisoni Tirau 13′, Ibraheem Afazal 25′, 29′, Sterling Vasconcellos 35′, 61′; William Khan 90+5′.
Halftime: Vanuatu 1-4 Fiji