Tonga will get their qualifying campaign underway in the OFC Stage 1 tournament on 31 August and this week’s friendly against Fiji marks the national team’s first international since the 2010 World Cup Preliminary competition in 2011.
Coach Timote Moleni says despite the scoreline he believes his side performed well against their Fijian counterparts.
“The boys played a good game if I compare them to the Fijian team as they are a high level side,” Moleni says.
“We learned some things from teh Fijian especially playing high balls and the defence, which Fiji does brilliantly.”
The Carlos Buzzetti coached Fiji asserted their dominance early with Malakai Tiwa finding the net just seven minutes in with a powerful close-range effort.
Tonga, captained by Mark Uhatahi, fought back, finding a gap in the Fijian defence but good goalkeeping from Vereti Dickson denied them an equaliser.
Alvin Singh soon had Fiji pulling away from their opponent with a powerful header in the 16th minute before captain Osea Vakatalesau took Fiji to 3-0.
Tiwa secured his brace after the break, before Fiji U-23 striker Napolioni Qasevakatini gave Fiji a five-goal buffer from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.
Buzzetti says it was a great start for his side as they get their own World Cup qualifiying preparations underway.
“It was the first game and it was good,” he says. The boys played how we wanted and we are satisfied with the job done as we played our first international in three years.”
Fiji will now await the arrival of the American Samoa national team, also Tonga-bound for the OFC Stage 1 competition, with their friendly set for Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Thursday 27 August at 7pm.
For more on Fiji football visit fijifootball.com.fj

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