Fiji have become the first team to book their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in the Solomon Islands, following an impressive 5-0 victory over the Cook Islands at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The Junior Bula Boys made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 4th minute when striker Saula Muatini pounced on a fumble by Cook Islands goalkeeper Tearii Scheel.
Fiji continued to dominate possession and territory, with their attacking pressure rewarded in the 36th minute when captain Maikah Dau calmly converted from the penalty spot.
Ryan Achari extended the lead just before halftime, showing composure to slot home after a long ball found him in space.
Muatini then added his second on the stroke of halftime to make it 4-0 at the break.
The momentum carried into the second half, and Fiji kept their foot on the pedal.
Achari sealed the victory in the 70th minute, reacting quickly after substitute Darshil Raj’s strike bounced off the post.
The Cook Islands, led by skipper Kima Webb, battled valiantly and came close with a long-range effort, but were unable to break through a disciplined Fijian defence.
The result leaves Fiji top of Group A, with one match against Papua New Guinea remaining.