The Fiji Under-19 football team secured a semifinal spot in the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, with a resounding 6-1 victory over Vanuatu.
After suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Solomon Islands, the Marika Rodu-coached side made a strong comeback. Vanuatu opened the scoring just four minutes into the match when Ronn Tasarur connected with a long ball, drove into the box, and set up Glen Maki to score from close range.
Despite conceding early, Fiji quickly responded. Co-captain Penisoni Tirau equalized with a free header from an Ibraheem Afazal free kick. Building on the momentum, Fiji scored again 12 minutes later as Eparama Moraica’s run into the box allowed Afazal to score into an empty net.
Almost adding another goal, Tirau’s pass to Moraica was cleared off the line by Jean Patriano Natou. However, Fiji soon got their third as Afazal struck a powerful shot from distance, beating the goalkeeper. Afazal continued his stellar performance, assisting Sterling Vasconcellos to loop a header into the far corner from a corner kick.
Desperately seeking a comeback, Vanuatu left gaps at the back, which Fiji exploited. Another corner found Vasconcellos, who scored with a close-range header. William Khan completed the scoring by heading in another corner in stoppage time, marking his first goal for Fiji.
Despite Vanuatu’s efforts to stage a comeback, Fiji held firm. This victory places Fiji at the top of Group A with six points. The outcome of the Tahiti vs. Solomon Islands match will determine Fiji’s final standing in the group. Vanuatu, having suffered three defeats, will compete 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