FIJI EASE PAST VANUATU

LAUTOKA – Without a player like Osea Vakatalesau and Avinesh Suwamy – or even a coach – a team could hardly be expected to turn out a convincing performance. Yet that’s what Fiji managed after it defeated VanuatuChurchill Park this evening. 2-0 at

It was the best show yet from the host nation and it was that man again – Malakai Tiwa – who alongside the energetic and underrated Alvin Singh, pulled all the strings as the Fiji midfield piled on the disappointment for Philemon John’s team at this tournament.

John – with only three substitutes and no reserve goalkeeper at his disposal because of suspensions – had his own headaches. Wilson Kailo was deployed as a make-shift right back and the lanky defender had a torrid evening as Esava Naqaleca and Roy Krishna attacked down his flank in a pacy first half assault on Vanuatu’s goal.

It was that pace that opened up Vanuatu on 28 minutes when Roy Krishna latched onto a lofted through ball and sped into the Vanuatu penalty area only for Charley Kalnasei to come flying out and sweep the advancing striker off his feet, the ball nowhere within sight.

Referee Peter O’Leary had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and Malakai Tiwa sent Kalnasei the wrong way to give Fiji a deserved lead.

Vanuatu continued to offer plenty of industry and effort but it lacked the cutting edge of a Krishna or Tiwa with Francois Sakama laboring as he has done for much of this tournament – plenty of work-rate but without the spark of inspiration fans associate with the diminutive playmaker.

The second-half presented more of the same with Vanuatu’s resources stretched to its limits, quality and depth two areas sadly lacking. Fiji could have added to its 2-0 cushion but for the heroics in goal of Charley Kalnasei who turned in a virtuoso performance for his country making superb saves from Malakai Tiwa, Alvin Singh and Roy Krishna that kept Vanuatu competitive in the match.

At the other end, Nicholas Lawrence waa a stand-out for Fiji delivering a composed and efficient performance that reflected the efforts of the unflappable Krishna Samy whose timing in the tackle and quality passing looked a cut above any other defender on the pitch in this match.

Suspended coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti was happy with the performance and the result.

“I am happy with the performance but if we look back to the start of this tournament when we conceded that last minute to New Zealand – then who knows – this might be a different situation,” Buzzetti said.

Vanuatu coach Philemon John declined to comment on the match but his disappointment was clear to see at the final whistle after Vanuatu contributed much to an enjoyable match without reaping any tangible reward in terms of points or goals.

OFC MEN’S OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

MATCH NO.12

VANUATU vs. FIJI

CHURCHILL PARK

LAUTOKA

FIJI

KICK-OFF: 19H30 (Fiji Time) 

VAN: 1. Charley KALNASEI; 3. Bula CHILIA; 4. Rexley TARIVUTI; 6. Wilson KAILO; 18. Apete KARA; 11. Jeffry NIMANIAN; 12. Michel KALTAK; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 14. Joseph NAMARIAU; 15. Manu PETER; 16. Tchamaco MAHE.

SUBS: 2. Andrew CHICHIRUA; 8. Brian MELAR; 19. Tonny CHILLIA.

COACH: Philemon JOHN (VAN)

FIJ: 2. Esava NAQELECA; 3. Shameel RAO; 5. Krishna SAMY; 6. Ranjil CHAND; 8. Alvin SINGH; 11. Kalasito POSIANO; 12. Malakai WAQA; 14. Roy KRISHNA; 15. Elvin PRASAD; 16. Malakai TIWA; 18. Shivan SWAMY; 20. Nicholas LAWRENCE.

SUBS: 1. Benaminio MATEINAQARA [rgk]; 4. Uraia RAIMULU; 9. Leone DAMUDAMU; 13. Joseph MISHRA; 15. Elvin PRASAD; 17. Maciu DUNADAMU; 19. Ratu Josevata DUGUCAGI.

COACH: Juan Carlos BUZZETTI (AUS)

REFEREE: Peter O’LEARY (NZL)

ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Matthew TARO (SOL)

ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Tevita MAKASINI (TGA)

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Michael HESTER (NZL)

OFC MENS OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

STANDINGS

GOLDEN SHOE AWARD