The Bula Boys began their campaign in the MSG Prime Ministers Cup by securing a 1-1 draw against Vanuatu in a fiercely contested match. Both teams demonstrated their determination and commitment, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament.

Fiji took the lead in the second half when Sairusi Nalaubu found the back of the net in the 60th minute, giving the team a strong chance to claim victory. However, a late equalizer from Vanuatu in the 95th minute of extra time snatched the win away from the Fijians, leaving the teams to share the points.

Head Coach Marika Rodu reflected on the match, acknowledging that the team’s defensive lapses in the final moments cost them the win. “We lost it defensively towards the end of the game,” he noted, emphasizing the need for the squad to tighten up their defence and capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities in future matches.

Rodu remained optimistic about the performance overall, stating that while there is room for improvement, it was a promising start for the team.

Looking ahead, the Bula Boys can take valuable lessons from this match and refocus to enhance their performance in upcoming games. The tournament is still young, and with strong determination and teamwork, they have the potential to bounce back and make a significant impact.