Fiji women’s coach Usenio Logaivau made sweeping changes to the line-up which posted a 2-0 win over the same opponents at Navua’s Thomson Park on Wednesday but the outcome remained largely the same.
Samoa again started slowly and had to chase the game from the fifth minute when Maria Lewavuni struck Fiji’s first goal. Midfielder Vanisha Kumar had sent a cross wide to Stella Naivalulevu and the latter could not keep her header on target but Lewavuni nipped in to give her country an early lead.
In contrast to Wednesday, Samoa did have a response this time though and were back on level terms when Suitupe Tafafa found herself in the clear with only goalkeeper Kolora Sucu to beat in the 32nd minute. She was in no mood to pass up the opportunity and found the net to give Samoa a chance of earning a positive result.
Both sides created an equal number of opportunities in an even second half and the final scoreline may have been a lot higher if the finishing had been more clinical.
Fiji finally took the lead again when they were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute and Lewavuni made no mistake from the spot to score her second and what proved to be the winner.
Logaivau was pleased to secure another victory and believes the two-match series has been of great benefit in the side’s preparations for the Pacific Games.
“We needed these sort of matches to boost our morale and learn of our strengths and weaknesses. Some of the players who did not take part in the first match were tested today.
“I think we lacked something in the first half and, during the break, I had to be strong on the girls. I stressed to them that they were very casual and I believe they took the message and came out more strongly.”
The result of the men’s clash was also almost identical to the sides’ earlier meeting, Fiji following up that 5-0 success to put five goals past Samoa again.
New Zealand-based striker Roy Krishna underlined why he is so highly regarded with a hat-trick while midfielder Malakai Tiwa, who competed at the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup with Papua New Guinea side Hekari United, notched a brace.
The home side led 2-0 at the break and put in an improved performance in the second half to post another comfortable victory. Samoa did have something to celebrate this time though when Albert Bell hit home a consolation goal in the 53rd minute.
The men’s and women’s Fiji sides will now turn their attention to the Pacific Games, which take place in New Caledonia from August 27 to September 9, but neither Samoa team is involved in the tournament.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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