Fiji has secured its position in the semifinals of the OFC Men’s U-19 Championship in Samoa with an impressive 6-1 victory over Vanuatu in their final group match.
Coached by Marika Rodu, the team needed a decisive win to advance after suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Solomon Islands. Ibrahim Afazal was the standout performer, scoring twice and playing a crucial role in setting up the other goals.
Vanuatu opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a goal from Glen Maki, but Fiji quickly responded. Captain Penisoni Tirau equalized with a free header from an Afazal free-kick.
Fiji took the lead in the 25th minute when Eparama Moraica’s strong run into the box allowed him to pass to Afazal, who scored with his first attempt. Afazal added a third goal shortly after, unleashing a powerful strike from distance that left Vanuatu’s goalkeeper Joseph Nakou stunned.
Co-Captain Sterling Vasconcellos scored Fiji’s fourth goal just before halftime, heading in an Afazal corner. He added another headed goal in the second half from another Afazal set-piece. Defender William Khan sealed the win with a late header, marking his first goal for Fiji.
Fiji now tops Group A with six points. The outcome of the match between Tahiti and the Solomon Islands will determine if Fiji qualifies first or second in the group. Vanuatu, after three straight losses, will compete in the playoff for seventh place on Tuesday.