Kamal Hassan was the toast of Suva tonight as his two late goals propelled Fiji to a 4-2 win over New Caledonia in the final game of the OFC Futsal Championships on match day one.
The match was very evenly balanced with both sides making a cautious start, feeling each other out.
Alexandre Rosso opened the scoring for New Caledonia in the fifth minute after some creative link up play through the midfield.
Five minutes later Sandeep Sanjesh Nair equalised for Fiji and brought to life the 1000 strong crowd who screamed with anticipation whenever Fiji got near the goal.
New Caledonia missed their chance to regain the lead after Fiji goalkeeper Azmat Begg took out Yvan Pourouro and Jean Philippe Wemama missed the resulting penalty kick.
Fiji made them pay three minutes before halftime when Nayzal Siga Ali finished off a slick move tapping home from inside the box .
Albert Hnailolo equalised for New Caledonia with three minutes remaining and both sides looked comfortable with a hard fought point from their first endeavour.
But Hassan had other plans and two goals within the space of a minute produced a roaring ovation from the Fiji fans and locked up a valuable three points for the Fijian side.
Fiji Coach Imtiaz Khan was delighted with the result and said he was not happy to settle for a draw after New Caledonia equalised.
"This is what we have been waiting for," said Khan. "This win is dedicated to the players and it’s a really good win.
"I am 100 percent sure we will do better in our next game and I noticed some tired legs out there who will benefit from our bye tomorrow."
We have Solomon Islands next and it will be a very tough test. I think our approach is at 70 percent at the moment and to beat them this will need to improve."
New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak said that it was difficult to be happy after losing a game late like that.
"I think the two teams were very even, and for the first time we partcipate in Futsal it was a good performance.
"We need more movement and to improve our finishing, but that will come with time."
Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson
NCL: 1. Euzen RONAN (GK); 3. Rosso ALEXANDRE; 4. Hnailolo ALBERT; 5. Iaruel JERRY; 7.Muraccioli EDOUARD;
SUBS: 2. Wemama JEAN PHILIPPE; 6. Maglia BENOIT; 8. Pourouoro YVAN; 9. Garin YOAN; 10. Gino Rene MARCIAS; 11. Guillemin STEVENS; 16. Gayon RONALD;
Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)
Goals: 3. Rosso ALEXANDRE; 4. Hnailolo Albert;
FIJ: 1. Azmat BEGG (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 4. Alvin AVINESH; 5. Nayzal Siga Ali; 9. Kamal HASSAN;
SUBS: 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 6. Assis CHAND; 7. Vikash PRASAD; 8. Muni Arvindra NAIDU; 10. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 11. Imtiaz BEGG; 12. Nishad Wasim ALI (RGK)
Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJ)
Goals: 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 5. Nayzal Siga ALI;9. Kamal HASSAN 2;
Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)
2nd Referee: Scott KIDSON (AUS)
3rd Referee: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)
Timekeeper: Allan ALICK (VAN)
Referee’s Assessor: Neil POLOSO (SOL)
