The Fiji Under-19 football team secured a spot in the semifinal of the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, yesterday.
After a 3-0 loss to the Solomon Islands, the team, coached by Marika Rodu, made a strong comeback by defeating Vanuatu 6-1.
Vanuatu opened the scoring just four minutes into the game with Ronn Tasarur setting up Glen Maki to score past Fiji’s Ilisoni Koro.
Despite conceding early, Fiji equalized immediately through a header from co-captain Penisoni Tirau, following a free kick by Ibraheem Afazal.
The 2022 finalists regained the lead 12 minutes later when Eparama Moraica set up Afazal for an easy goal.
A length-of-the-field run from Tirau almost resulted in another goal, but Jean Patriano Natou cleared the attempt off the line.
Fiji’s third goal came shortly after when Afazal scored a long-range strike. Afazal then assisted Sterling Vasconcellos, who headed in a goal from a corner kick.
Vanuatu, in their attempt to get back into the game, left their defense exposed. Fiji capitalized on this with Vasconcellos scoring another header from a corner.
In the final moments, William Khan sealed the victory for Fiji, scoring his first goal for his country from a corner kick.
Despite their effort, Vanuatu was unable to come back. Fiji now leads Group A with six points. The outcome of the Tahiti vs. Solomon Islands match will determine their final standing in the group.
Vanuatu, having lost all three games, will compete in the play-off 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