Merrill Nand emerged as a hero for the Bula Boys in a thrilling encounter against Papua New Guinea, securing a 3-3 draw with a late header in Port Moresby last night. This match marked Fiji’s first men’s international on home ground under the guidance of coach Felipe Vega-Arango.
The game kicked off with intensity as Fiji took an early lead just two minutes in. Joseph Joe capitalized on a defensive mistake, finding the net from inside the penalty area. Despite this setback, Papua New Guinea equalized before halftime when Thomas Dunn headed in a precise cross from Setareki Hughes, leveling the score at 1-1.
The home side took charge in the first half, regaining the lead two minutes later when Ati Kepo deftly lifted the ball over the Fijian goalkeeper Jerome Narayan. This put Papua New Guinea up 2-1 at halftime. However, Fiji bounced back in the second half; captain Roy Krishna converted a penalty in the 54th minute to bring the score to 2-2.
The final moments of the match were electrifying, as both teams pushed hard for a victory. PNG’s Raymond Gunemba scored a stunning header deep into injury time, sending the local crowd into a frenzy. Yet, Fiji quickly responded; Nand positioned himself perfectly to nod in a well-timed delivery from Nabil Begg, leveling the score yet again.
With this draw, Fiji now sits with four points in Group A, just behind New Caledonia, who leads with six points.
This match showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of the Bula Boys, making them a team to watch as they continue their campaign in the tournament. The exciting performance highlights the growth in Fijian football, and fans can look forward to future matches with optimism.
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