THE Fiji Digicel Baby Bula Boys had their dreams of reaching the 2023 FIFA World Cup shattered when they were overpowered by a strong and determined New Zealand team at the OFC Championship semifinals on Wednesday night.
The under-17 side lost 1-4 to the boys in black at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. It was New Zealand which opened the score board through their striker Adam Watson inside the Fiji box, unleashing a thunderous left footer to the far left of Fiji keeper.
Fiji quickly replied with a beautiful set-piece allowing Silimone Ravonokula to score the equaliser. The hosts side were able to hold off the visitors attack throughout the rest of the first half with a few goal opportunities missed just before the sound of the hooter.
At the beginning of the second spell, New Zealand wasted no time in their attack where Adam received an impressive through-ball, allowing him to score his second.
This was after Adam’s fi rst attempt at goal was stopped by Fiji goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro, who tapped the ball into the net before Koro could get up from his previous save.
New Zealand continued to take control of the game giving Fiji very few goal opportunities. This forced Fiji into defensive mode throughout the match as they continued to clear the ball out of their half whenever they got the chance.
New Zealand sent in fresh legs towards the end of the match allowing them to score another two goals leaving the final score at 4-1.
