The afternoon’s other match did not provide as much goalmouth excitement but there was no shortage of drama as Vanuatu edged out Papua New Guinea 2-0 in an absorbing contest.
Underdogs American Samoa did well to keep Fiji scoreless for the majority of the first half but could do little to prevent a piece of individual brilliance from Narend Rao in the 40th minute. The midfielder danced his way through several challenges before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Taufaiula Mavaega to finally open the scoring.
Losefo Verevou added a second just before half-time with another spectacular goal, curling the ball over Mavaega from wide on the right, before the floodgates opened in the second half. Akram Hussain scored twice and Rao added his second, while Al-taaf Sahib, Vineel Naidu and Shane Kumar also got in on the goal-scoring fun.
American Samoa’s day of misery was complete when big defender Lalotoa Vaeao put a header into his own net in injury time.
Despite the heavy nature of the win, Fiji coach Hussain Sahib was complimentary of his opponents’ determined effort and admits there were a few nerves on the bench before the deadlock was broken.
“In the first half they defended very well and we were waiting for that first goal,” he says. “The second goal was very timely as it made the second half so much easier for us.
“We have a lot of things to work on, especially in the midfield. We gave away a lot of ball and we can’t afford to do that against the other teams.”
The clash between Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea was expected to be an even match-up and so it proved, the winners needing a penalty late in the first half to get their noses in front. The spot kick was tucked away coolly by Santino Mermer and Vanuatu all but wrapped the game up in the 59th minute when Michel Coulon smashed the ball past goalkeeper Charles Lepani from close range.
Coach Wilson August says his young charges need to improve in several areas but was delighted to have started the campaign with a win.
“They played well and did what we asked of them. That’s what football is all about,” he says.
Papua New Guinea counterpart John Davani felt his side performed well but was disappointed with the manner of the goals.
“We were unfortunate to concede that penalty and, for the second goal, I thought the boys were ball watching and not worrying about the free men,” he says.
“But I don’t want to take anything away from Vanuatu because they were fast, especially up front, and dominated the first half. I thought we pushed them to the limit in the second half and in the process of attacking we exposed ourselves.”
Attention turns to Group B tomorrow when New Caledonia take on Solomon Islands at 1.30pm and Tonga face Tahiti from 4pm.
American Samoa – Fiji Match Summary Download PDF
Vanuatu – Papua New Guinea Match Summary Download PDF
Competition Summary Download PDF