Fiji secured 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 game came from 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’s penalty beat the keeper but hit the post.
New Zealand-based Akash Prasad equalized the score just before halftime, and Tirau put Fiji ahead with a stunning strike from distance that bounced off the inside of the post, making it 2-1 at the break.
Fiji continued their strong performance into the second half. Tirau added another goal, lofting the ball into the back of the net.
With this victory, Fiji moves to the top of Group A and is set to face the Solomon Islands next.
Tahiti will aim to recover in their second match against Vanuatu on Monday.