Vanuatu’s 8-0 victory over American Samoa leaves them top of Group A with Fiji sitting second on goal difference after beating the Solomon Islands 2-0, while a 10-man Oly Whites saw of Papua New Guinea 1-0 to take the ascendancy in Group B as Tonga enjoyed a bye.
The clash between Solomon Islands and Fiji raised the curtain and, despite coming at such an early stage, the result is likely to have a large bearing on Group A due to the strength of that pool.
Both sides are genuine contenders for the title but it was Fiji who emerged with their reputation further enhanced after using their physical superiority to good effect. The ‘Solympics’ side started the brighter and created several chances in the first quarter, Moffat Kilifa going particularly close to opening the scoring when he rounded Fiji goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva but could not find the net with his chipped effort.
Luke Eroi’s men were made to pay for those misses in the 18th minute when Fiji captain Esava Naqeleca led by example to head home a well-flighted Misaele Draunibaka corner. Chances proved hard to come by for the remainder of the match and it wasn’t until the 65th minute that Fiji extended their lead, a spectacular long-range effort from Laisenia Raura coming back off the post for Archie Watkins to nod home.
The Solomons put in plenty of effort in the glorious sunshine but failed to test Mateisuva in the second spell, a fact that came as a concern to coach Eroi.
“Fiji are big and strong and we tried to play with the structure we thought could cause them problems but it didn’t come off,” he said.
Fiji coach Imdad Ali was much happier with his charges, who showed few side effects from a preparation detrimentally affected by recent flooding in Fiji.
“I think the boys did very well and stuck to the game plan,” he said. “We knew the Solomon Islands are very good so we tried to contain them in the middle and that’s what the boys did.”
Another side with title aspirations was in action in the afternoon’s second game and Vanuatu proved those aims are realistic by disposing of a determined American Samoa outfit 8-0.
Much of the damage was done in an impressive display of attacking football in the first half, Roddy Lenga and Robert Tasso both scoring doubles to put the ‘Dream Team’ ahead 4-0 within 23 minutes.
The reeling American Samoans regrouped and showed commendable spirit to keep Vanuatu out until the 81st minute, when the floodgates opened again in spectacular fashion. Sailas Namatak struck a quick-fire hat-trick within five minutes before substitute Barry Mansale wrapped up the scoring in the 89th minute.
Despite the final flurry of goals, coach Richard Iwai was left wanting more.
“I’m happy with the result but I think the boys lost a bit of concentration and we could have scored more goals,” says Iwai.
“What is good is that we have strong competition for places at the moment so if we can keep that up through the tournament then we’ll be hard to beat.”
Meanwhile in the only Group B encounter, New Zealand started well with Wales based striker Greg Draper going close in the 10th minute before squandering an opportunity to volley home a Alex Feneridis corner soon after.
Louis Fenton and Adam McGeorge both found the woodwork in the opening period while Papua New Guinea’s fair share of possession didn’t amount to any clear chances.
The game was turned on its head in the 55th minute when Oly Whites striker was shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language. But New Zealand responded well and found a winner on 73 minutes through second half substitute Sean Lovemore, much to the relief of Neil Emblen.
“It was a tough match and we were pretty rusty in the first half,” said Emblen.
“But I’m pleased with the way we regrouped after the red card. I’m not sure what was said to the referee but it could have cost us. In the end we dodged a bullet really.”
Opposing coach Frank Farina seemed unfazed by the result.
“It’s often the case in football when a team goes down a player they find another gear,” said Farina.
“To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t have wanted to beat New Zealand today as it could’ve made them angry. I’d love another crack at them but first we have to focus on getting through to the semis.”
Solomon Islands vs. Fiji Match Summary: Download Here
Vanuatu vs. American Samoa Match Summary: Download Here
New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea Match Summary: Download Here
Competition Summary: Download Here
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