NIMANIAN SCORES TWO AS VANUATU CRUISE PAST THE COOK&039;S

Vanuatu opened their Olympic campaign in style with four un-answered goals against the Cook Islands in their opening match of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers in Fiji.

Jeffry Nimanian opened the scoring for Vanuatu in the 16th minute after some good work down the left hand side by Joseph Namariau found the pacey striker who converted for his first of the night.

Nimanian made it 2-0 in the 40th minute when he was first to react after Francois Sakama’s shot rifled off the crossbar and he was there to head it home into an empty net.

Vanuatu dominated the play in the first half and would have held a larger lead going into halftime but for some wasteful finishing.

The Cook’s never gave up and their endeavour was nearly rewarded when Joseph Le Mouton was sent clear one on one with the Vanuatu goalkeeper but his shot was hit straight into the arms of Charley Kalanasei.

Vanuatu wasted no time in taking control of the game again in the second half when they increased their lead in the 47th minute. Sakama coolly converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-0 and effectively kill off the Cook’s chance of a second half revival.

Vanuatu made it 4-0 in the 83rd minute when substitute Tonny Chillia found the net from a counter attack against the run of play.

Vanuatu coach Philemon John was delighted with the way his team performed today and reflected on some of the goals they had set for themselves.

“We were very happy with the result today, we were trying not to concede any goals and pick up any yellow cards, unfortunately we picked up two but the boys are very happy with the result.

“We are still working on gelling together as a team, we haven’t had a lot of match experience outside of some local teams so this has been great. The boys are looking to improve their communication, get their timing and patterns right and bond together on the field.

Cook Island Coach Tim Jerks was also pleased with the way his team performed and felt that with a bit more luck in front of goal his side could have been right in it.

“I’m pleased with how we kept our defensive shape and looked to counter and can’t fault the commitment of my guys,” said Jerks.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Match Day 1

Churchill Park

Lautoka

Fiji

Cook Islands vs. Vanuatu

COK: 1. Remi WEARING; 2. Mii JOSEPH; 3. Eddie BROGAN; 4. Steve WILLIS; 6. Joseph LE MOUTON (17. Ngatamaine SILA 57’); 9. Paavo MUSTONEN (12. Branden TUREPU 72’); 10. Thomas LE MOUTON; 11. John Michael QUIJANO (8. Grover HARMON 65’); 15. Gichin FUHINIU; 14. John BATAILLARD (c); 19. Tuka TISAM.

SUBS: 7. Davey SILVA;13. Roger MANUEL; 16. Ngatungane TANGIMETUA.

Cautions: 19. Tuka TISAM 21’; 3. Eddie BROGAN 31’.

Red Cards: None

Goals: None

Coach: Tim JERKS (AUS)

VAN: 1. Charley KALNASEI; 2. Andrew CHICHIRUA (12. Michel KALTAK 49’); 5. Samuel KALOROS (3. Bula CHILLIA 64’); 6. Wilson KAILO (19. Tonny CHILLIA 74’); 7. Spencer NOAL; 9. Roger JOE; 10. Fenedy MASAVAKAULO; 11. Jeffry NIMANIAN; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 14. Joseph NAMARIAU; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE.

SUBS:; 4. Rexley TARIVUTI; 8. Apete KARA; 15. Manu PETER; 16. Tchamaco MAHE; 18. Brian MELAR; 20. Yannick MERKA (RGK)

Cautions: 5. Samuel KALOROS 41’; 10. Fenedy MASAVAKAULO 53’.

Red Cards: None

Goals: 11. Jeffry NIMANIAN 16’, 39’. 14. Joseph NAMARIAU 47’; 19. Tonny CHILLIA 81’.

Referee: Rakesh VARMAN (FIJ)

Assistant Referee 1: Andrew ACHARI (FIJ)

Assistant Referee 2: Tevita MAKASINI (TGA)

Fourth Official: Andrew MOLI (SOL)

OFC Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Standings – 01.03.08

GOLDEN SHOE AWARD

CAUTIONS