The Fiji Under-19 football team secured a spot in the semifinals of the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, yesterday. This achievement came after the Marika Rodu-coached team rebounded from a 3-0 loss to the Solomon Islands with a commanding 6-1 victory over Vanuatu.
Vanuatu took the lead just four minutes into the match, with Ronn Tasarur setting up Glen Maki to score from close range against Fiji’s goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro. However, Fiji quickly responded with co-captain Penisoni Tirau equalizing shortly afterward. Ibraheem Afazal delivered a dangerous free kick that Tirau converted with an unmarked header.
Fiji, the 2022 finalists, continued their momentum, adding another goal 12 minutes later. Eparama Moraica made a strong run into the box and set up Afazal to score into an empty net, giving Fiji the lead. Tirau nearly created another goal with a run down the field, but Jean Patriano Natou cleared Moraica’s shot off the line.
Afazal scored Fiji’s third goal with a long-distance strike, beating Vanuatu’s goalkeeper Joseph Nakou. He then assisted Sterling Vasconcellos, whose header from a corner kick added another goal for Fiji. Fiji capitalized on Vanuatu’s defensive lapses, with Vasconcellos again scoring with an easy header from a corner.
William Khan sealed the victory for Fiji in the final moments, scoring with a header from a corner for his first international goal. Despite their efforts, Vanuatu could not mount a comeback.
This result places Fiji at the top of Group A with six points. The outcome of the Tahiti vs. Solomon Islands match will determine whether Fiji qualifies first or second in the group. Meanwhile, Vanuatu’s three defeats in the tournament mean they will compete in the play-off for seventh place on Tuesday.
Scorers:
Vanuatu: Glen Maki (4’)
Fiji: Penisoni Tirau (13’), Ibraheem Afazal (25’, 29’), Sterling Vasconcellos (35’, 61’), William Khan (90+5’)
Halftime: Vanuatu 1-4 Fiji