Just hours before kick-off in the international friendly the Vanuatu side were rocked by news that former national team player Selwyn Sese had passed away.
Both sides paused to pay tribute to the 29-year-old prior to the match, before Vanuatu made a dominant start on the field.
It took only 23 minutes for the hosts to get on the scoreboard after Brian Kaltak slipped the ball past Fiji keeper Ben Amino.
Twenty minutes later Bill Nicholls doubled the lead for Vanuatu and they went into the sheds up 2-0.
Fiji coach Frank Farina adjusted his formation at the break in a move which delivered almost instant reward, as captain Roy Krishna got on the end of a cross from Abbu Zahid just two minutes into the second period to halve the deficit.
With momentum now on their side Fiji continued to push on in search of an equaliser, and should have found it on 60 minutes when Laisenia Raura unleashed a powerful effort on goal.
A brilliant diving save from Vanuatu stopper Seiloni Iaruel was the only thing which prevented it from hitting the back of the net.
Both teams had good chances to add further goals near the back end of the contest, but a determined Vanuatu did enough to hold on for a 2-1 victory in what was the second of two international friendly matches between the two nations.
On Saturday they played out a 1-1 draw.
Vanuatu coach Moise Poida says he is proud of the way his players handled themselves in the testing circumstances.
“This was a sad day for us because we lost a very good friend and football player,” Poida says.
“We dedicate this win to the late Selwyn Sese and we remember his family in our prayers.
“The way the boys played today was very good. We knew Fiji would come out strong in attack, particularly with the inclusion of Roy Krishna in their squad.
“But we played according to our plan and I am very happy we managed to get this victory over Fiji.”
Poida says he now plans to organise a three-week training camp for the squad in Australia.
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.
For more on Fiji football visit fijifootball.com.fj

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