THE Junior Bula Boys took another major step towards the semi-finals of the OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship after recording an emphatic 5-0 victory over Samoa in the second Group A match in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday.
The win preserved Fiji’s unbeaten start to the tournament after opening its campaign with a 2-0 win over New Caledonia and also ensured the side remains yet to concede a goal.
Fiji asserted its dominance early and broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through Shahil Prasad, who wove past past several defenders before finding the back of the net.
Ryan Swami then doubled Fiji’s lead seven minutes later, calmly converting from the penalty spot after Samoa conceded a foul inside the area.
The Baby Bula Boys continued to dictate play and extended their advantage shortly before halftime when Isoa Baselala finished off a well-worked move to give Fiji a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the break.
Fiji maintained the momentum in the second half and continued to trouble the Samoan defence.
Baselala added his second goal of the afternoon after latching onto a well-timed pass before calmly slotting home to put the result beyond doubt.
Samoa’s woes were compounded late in the encounter when an attempted clearance ended in their own net, sealing an impressive five-goal performance from the Fijians.
The result leaves Fiji level on six points with hosts Papua New Guinea at the top of Group A.
The Junior Bula Boys will now turn their attention to Saturday’s decisive clash against Papua New Guinea, with top spot in Group A and a semi-final berth on the line.
