Fiji secured third place at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Honiara, decisively defeating Papua New Guinea 4-0. Tailevu Naitasiri striker France Catarogo was the standout performer, scoring three goals in the match.
Earlier in the tournament, Papua New Guinea had triumphed over Fiji 8-2 in their first international beach soccer encounter. Fiji’s performance in that match was hampered by the late arrival of key players, including captain Tevita Waranaivalu and first-choice starter Madhwan Gounder.
In the recent match, Northland Tailevu’s Steven Dean initiated Fiji’s scoring in the 8th minute, with Catarogo quickly adding to the lead just eight minutes later. Catarogo then completed his hat-trick with goals in the 22nd and 34th minutes, solidifying Fiji’s victory.