The Fiji Under-19 football team has secured a spot in the semifinal of the OFC U19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, after a remarkable 6-1 victory over Vanuatu.
Despite an initial setback, where Vanuatu’s Ronn Tasarur set up Glen Maki for a goal in the fourth minute, Fiji quickly equalized through Penisoni Tirau. Ibraheem Afazal’s dangerous free kick found an unmarked Tirau at the back post, allowing him to head the ball into the net.
Fiji’s dominance continued as Eparama Moraica’s strong run enabled Afazal to score into an empty net, establishing their lead. Tirau almost contributed to another goal, but his pass to Moraica was cleared off the line by Jean Patriano Natou.
Afazal soon struck again with a powerful long-range shot, securing Fiji’s third goal. He continued to be a key player, delivering a corner that found Sterling Vasconcellos, who looped a header into the far corner.
Vanuatu’s desperate attempts to get back into the match left them vulnerable, and Fiji capitalized on this weakness. Another corner from Afazal landed at Vasconcellos, who scored a close-range header. William Khan sealed the victory with a header from a corner in the final moments, marking his first goal for Fiji.
Despite Vanuatu’s efforts, they faced their third defeat in the tournament and will compete in the play-off for seventh place on Tuesday.
Fiji’s victory places them at the top of Group A with six points. Their final group position will depend on the outcome of the match between Tahiti and the Solomon Islands.
**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
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