Fiji recorded an impressive 3-1 victory in the opening match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Apia, Samoa, today.
The first goal of the match was scored by Tahiti’s Captain Kamalani Bennett, who skillfully beat goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro in the 20th minute.
Fiji, coached by Marika Rodu, was awarded a penalty kick after Captain Penisoni Tirau was tripped inside the box. Tirau took the penalty, which beat the keeper but hit the post.
New Zealand-based Akash Prasad leveled the scores just before halftime, and Tirau put Fiji ahead with a stunning long-range strike that found the back of the net after bouncing off the inside of the post, giving the 2022 finalists a 2-1 lead at the break.
Fiji started the second half as strongly as they finished the first. Tirau added to his tally by lofting the ball into the back of the net, sealing a 3-1 victory for Fiji.
With this win, Fiji moves to the top of Group A and will face Solomon Islands next. Tahiti aims to bounce back in their second match against Vanuatu on Monday.