The Fiji Under-19 football team secured a spot in the semifinal of the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, yesterday. This came after a striking comeback from their 3-0 defeat to the Solomon Islands, overwhelming Vanuatu with a 6-1 victory.
Vanuatu opened the scoring just four minutes into the match with Ronn Tasarur setting up Glen Maki to score past Fiji’s goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro. However, Fiji quickly retaliated, with co-captain Penisoni Tirau equalizing shortly afterward.
Ibraheem Afazal delivered a dangerous free kick, which an unmarked Tirau turned into a goal with a header. The momentum stayed with Fiji as they scored again 12 minutes later. Eparama Moraica’s strong run into the box allowed him to set up Afazal, who scored into an empty net to take the lead.
Tirau nearly added another, but his play was cleared off the line. Afazal soon scored again, this time with a powerful strike from distance that beat Vanuatu’s Joseph Nakou. The excitement continued with another Afazal corner finding Sterling Vasconcellos, who looped a header into the far corner of the goal.
Vanuatu’s aggressive attempts to get back into the game left them vulnerable. Fiji capitalized during a set-piece, with another Vasconcellos header increasing their lead. William Khan sealed the win for Fiji, scoring with a header from a corner in the final moments, marking his first goal for his country.
Despite their loss, Vanuatu showed determination, attempting to get back into the game. With this result, Fiji tops Group A with six points. The outcome of the Tahiti versus Solomon Islands match will determine whether Fiji qualifies in first or second place in the group. Vanuatu, having faced three defeats in the tournament, will now play for seventh place on Tuesday.
Scorers:
Vanuatu: 1 (Glen Maki 4′)
Fiji: 6 (Penisoni Tirau 13’, Ibraheem Afazal 25’, 29’, Sterling Vasconcellos 35’, 61’; William Khan 90+5’)
Halftime: Vanuatu 1-4 Fiji