Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a score of 1-0 in the opening match of the FIFA Tri-Nations International Friendly series held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The only goal of the match came from midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu, who converted a penalty in the 81st minute after defender Antonio Tuivuna was fouled in a promising attacking position.
Both teams delivered an entertaining match for their supporters on a cool evening in Laucala. Fiji’s Sairusi Nalaubu and Thomas Dunn posed significant threats, while the Solomon Islands’ Bobby Leslie and captain Micah Lea’alafa made several offensive attempts, but they were effectively defended by Fiji’s goalkeeper and captain, Akuila Mateisuva.
The first half ended without any goals, though a stunning free-kick from Filipe Baravilala nearly found the back of the net, forcing Solomon Islands goalkeeper Phillip Mango to make a stretched save before succumbing to an injury that led to his substitution by Harold Nauania.
Nauania performed well, thwarting efforts from Nalaubu and Aporosa Yada. Fiji’s coach Rob Sherman made strategic substitutions to maintain their attacking prowess, bringing in youngsters Nabil Begg and Mohammed Raheem, replacing Yada and Dave Radrigai.
As the match progressed, Waranaivalu and Setareki Hughes were substituted in the last ten minutes for Mosese Nabose and Sitiveni Cavuilagi. Fiji U19 captain Sterling Vasconcellos was also called upon in added time to bolster the defense as Fiji held on for their narrow victory.
The Digicel Bula Boys will next face Hong Kong-China in Lautoka on Sunday, while the Solomon Islands will compete against Hong Kong-China at the HFC Bank Stadium on Thursday.
The starting line-ups were as follows:
Fiji: Akuila Mateisuva (C), Samuela Kautoga, Epeli Leiroti, Thomas Dunn, Setareki Hughes, Aporosa Yada, Tevita Waranaivalu, Sairusi Nalaubu, Antonio Tuivuna, Filipe Baravilala, Dave Radrigai.
Solomon Islands: Phillip Mango, Leon Kofana, William Komasi, Prince Tahunipue, Junior David, Atkin Kaua, Rafael Le’ai, Carlos Liomasia, Bobby Leslie, Micah Lea’alafa (C), Alvin Hou.