Improvement is expected in the FIFA World rankings for the Digicel Bula Boys after an impressive 2-nil win over the Solomon Islands in Honiara yesterday.
After going down 1-2 to the same opponent three days ago, the Fijian side displayed controlled and structured football to beat the hosts.
Fiji started on a high and we did miss a few half chances in the opening stanza.
Ba midfielder and the latest free-kick specialist in Fiji, Mohammed Raheem, got Fiji on the board in the 45th minute.
Raheem fired in a direct free kick from 25 yards out which went into the top left-hand corner of the Solomon’s goal. Fiji led 1-nil at the break.
All-time top goal scorer for Fiji Roy Krishna increased his tally with Fiji’s second goal in the 65th minute.
Krishna pounced on a loose ball resulting from a Tevita Waranivalu corner kick to seal the deal for the Fijians.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf said it was encouraging to see the young players step up.
“We fielded a young team with Roy and Setareki the experienced players. It was also good to note that we used five players from the bench,” Yusuf said.
“They played a very structured and possession-based game. Going into the OFC Nations Cup, the team will develop further.”
Yusuf mentioned the team is expected to make some improvements in the FIFA rankings.
The OFC Nations Cup will be held in Vanuatu from June 15-30.
