Match Day 1 at the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 got off to a flying start with goals galore the order of the day at J.S.Blatter Playing Field in Apia. New
Caledonia was the big winners though despite the slender 1-0 victory over French rivals Tahiti.
A 9th minute penalty from Pierre Wajoka was enough to earn New Caledonia an important victory that edges them close to a semi-finals berth. Tahiti’s misery was completed when
influential midfielder Jose Hmae was sent off.
Fiji took no mercy on Tuvalu destroying the non-FIFA affiliates 16-0 with Ba striker Osea Vakatalesau scoring a double hat-trick, Pita Rabo a hat-trick, Roy Krishna a brace and
lone striker from captain Peni Finau. The win catapults Fiji to the top of Pool A on goal difference with Cook Islands the only team yet to feature in action.
In Pool B, Solomon Islands romped home to victory in their opening match at the XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 smacking twelve goals past the hapless American Samoa at
J.S.Blatter Playing Field in Apia today. Solomon Islands Benjamin Totori (2), Commins Menapi (4)and Stanley Waita (2)went on a goal-scoring frenzy against an American Samoa team caught
in the headlights of an oncoming football juggernaut. Samson Takayama, Godwin Beubeu, Judd Molea and Henry Fa’arodo completed the rout. American Samoa
replied with a penalty from Ramin Ott.
In the women’s competition Fiji have started their South Pacific Games Women’s Football Tournament with a resounding 4-1 victory over Cook Islands at JS
Blatter Playing Field in Apia, Samoa. Cook Islands gave a fair account of themselves against a Fiji side peppered with talent and verve and did well to hold Fiji for long periods of the
match.
Asena Reba Ratu was in commanding form for Fiji with two-goal midfield partner Vatulili also in excellent touch. Substitute Naomi Regu added Fiji’s fourth goal putting Cook
Islands heroic resistance to rest in the 78th minute. Cook Islands didn’t go unrewarded with Tupou Patia scoring a consolation goal in the 81st
minute.
Papua New Guinea were too strong for American Samoa medal favourites Papua New Guinea overcame a brave showing from American Samoa to win the match
comfortably 6-0. Daisy Winas and Deslyn Siniu were in the electric form for Papua New Guinea with American Samoa goalkeeper Filiga Kerisiano was in inspirational form for the
American territory denying Julie Alau, Lydia Banabas and Tracey Kig with a string of courageous saves as her defence opened up in front of her.
The victory puts Papua New Guinea in the driving seat in Pool A on goal difference from Fiji. The next matches in Pool A take place on Tuesday 28th August when American Samoa
face Cook Islands 1800hrs (-GMT-13) and Papua New Guinea meet Solomon Islands 2030hrs (GMT-13).