Fiji secured an impressive 3-1 victory in the opening match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Apia, Samoa today.
Tahiti’s Captain Kamalani Bennett opened the scoring, neatly beating 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 took the penalty, which beat the keeper but unfortunately hit the post.
New Zealand-based Akash Prasad leveled the scores just before halftime. Tirau then put Fiji ahead by unleashing a cracking strike from distance that bounced off the inside of the post, giving the 2022 finalists a 2-1 lead at the break.
Fiji started the second half strongly, just as they finished the first. Tirau added another goal by lofting the ball into the back of the net.
With this win, Fiji moves to the top of Group A and will face Solomon Islands next. Tahiti will look to bounce back in their second match against Vanuatu on Monday.