Fiji Secures Semifinal Spot in OFC Men’s U-19 Championship with 6-1 Win Over Vanuatu
Fiji has earned its place in the semifinals of the OFC Men’s U-19 Championship in Samoa following an impressive 6-1 victory against Vanuatu in their final group match.
Coached by Marika Rodu, the Fijian team needed a strong performance to advance after a 3-0 defeat to the Solomon Islands. Midfield maestro Ibrahim Afazal was the standout player, scoring twice and assisting in the other four goals.
Vanuatu’s Glen Maki took the lead just four minutes into the match, but Fiji quickly responded. Captain Penisoni Tirau equalized with a free header from an Afazal free-kick. Fiji then took the lead in the 25th minute when Eparama Moraica’s run into the box set up Afazal, who finished with precision.
Afazal extended Fiji’s lead with a spectacular long-range strike that left Vanuatu goalkeeper Joseph Nakou stunned. Before halftime, Co-Captain Sterling Vasconcellos scored Fiji’s fourth goal by heading in an Afazal corner kick.
In the second half, Vasconcellos added another goal with a header from an Afazal set-piece. Defender William Khan completed the scoring, heading in a corner to secure his first international goal for Fiji.
The victory puts Fiji on top of Group A with six points. The outcome of the Tahiti versus Solomon Islands match will determine Fiji’s final ranking in the group. Meanwhile, Vanuatu, after three consecutive losses, will compete in the play-off for seventh place on Tuesday.