Nadi goalkeeper Benaminio Mateinaqara will once again be the first choice stopper, when Fiji takes on Vanuatu in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Qualifier at the Municipal Stadium, Port Vila on Wednesday.

Mateinaqara got the nod in Fiji’s 2-0 win over Vanuatu at Govind Park on Saturday, after regular Simione Tamanisau was ruled out with a knew injury.

National coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti said Tamanisau had been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks.

“Ben played very well and didn’t make any mistakes in the win,” Buzzetti said.

“Filimone Boletawa will be the reserve goalkeeper.”

Lautoka’s Iliatia Tuilau will replace New Zealand-based Salesh Kumar, as the Auckland City man is unavailable for the return leg.

Buzzetti also paid tribute to veteran Ba defender Malakai Kainihewe, who played a sound match in defence.

“There have been a lot of people who have written him off, but he played very well, considering all he has gone through recently,” he said.

Buzzetti’s team has a number of players who are under 23, and the Uruguayan has faith in the youngsters to deliver in Vanuatu.

“The speed was in our favour, and I was very proud of what the players did,” Buzzetti said.

“Malakai Tiwa, in his first match as captain was great. While I would have liked to play him in the middle, we didn’t have a good left defender, and he played well there.”

Auckland City midfielder Kumar was happy with the side’s performance and expects Fiji to win the return leg without him in Port Vila on Wednesday night.

“We played a good game and if we can continue playing as a team then surely the boys will win in Vanuatu,’’ Kumar said.

He also praised the younger players in the team that fought gallantly at Govind Park.

“They did well considering that playing at national level is new to them. I think they didn’t do enough to hold the ball and possession for longer periods but it’s a big transition to go from district level to playing for the national team, and I’m sure with more games they’ll be able to find their feet,’’ Kumar said.  

Vanuatu vs. Fiji

Wednesday 10 September

14H00 (Local time) (15H00 FIJT)

Municipal Stadium

Port Vila, Vanuatu