Fiji secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in their opening match of the FIFA Tri-Nations International Friendly series, held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The winning goal came from midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu, who successfully converted a penalty in the 81st minute after Antonio Tuivuna was fouled in the box during an attacking move.
The match showcased an entertaining display of football from both teams on a cool evening in Laucala. Fiji’s Sairusi Nalaubu and Thomas Dunn posed threats to the Solomon Islands’ defense, while Bobby Leslie and captain Micah Lea’alafa managed to create several scoring opportunities but were effectively thwarted by Fiji’s defense, led by goalkeeper and skipper Akuila Mateisuva.
The first half ended without goals, although a stunning free-kick by Filipe Baravilala almost found the net, forcing Solomon Islands goalkeeper Phillip Mango to make a stretching save and sustain an injury that necessitated his substitution by Harold Nauania.
Nauania made a significant impact in goal, stopping attempts from Nalaubu and Aporosa Yada. In a bid to maintain attacking pressure, Fiji’s coach Rob Sherman brought in fresh players, introducing youths Nabil Begg and Mohammed Raheem to the midfield, replacing Yada and Dave Radrigai. Goalscorer Waranaivalu and Setareki Hughes were also substituted in the closing minutes, giving way to Mosese Nabose and Sitiveni Cavuilagi, while Fiji U19 captain Sterling Vasconcellos was brought on during injury time to reinforce the defense.
Next, the Digicel Bula Boys will take on Hong Kong-China in their final match in Lautoka on Sunday, while the Solomon Islands are set to face the same opponent at the HFC Bank Stadium on Thursday.
The starting lineups featured Fiji with Akuila Mateisuva (C), Samuela Kautoga, Epeli Leiroti, Thomas Dunn, Setareki Hughes, Aporosa Yada, Tevita Waranaivalu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Antonio Tuivuna, Filipe Baravilala, and Dave Radrigai; and the Solomon Islands including Phillip Mango, Leon Kofana, William Komasi, Prince Tahunipue, Junior David, Atkin Kaua, Rafael Le’ai, Carlos Liomasia, Bobby Leslie, Micah Lea’alafa (C), and Alvin Hou.