IT was heartbreak for the Fiji U23 football team as Papua New Guinea scored in injury time to claim the Pacific Games bronze medal 2-1 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
The game started in excellent conditions and PNG were the one to settle first. PNG stuck to its passing game and the slight winds gave them the first half advantage. PNG went ahead in the first half as goalkeeper Tevita Koroi could not hold on to a powerful shot and the ball slipped and went into the goalmouth.
PNG led 1-0 at halfway.
Fiji got its act together in the second half and looked more like the team that had previously beaten the home nation.
Five minutes into the second half, passing among the players lined up midfielder Antonio Tuivuna for a shot from outside the penalty box. Tuivuna’s shot screeched past the PNG keeper who stood stunned. And just when everybody thought extra time would have to be played, PNG scores through a set piece with seconds left on the clock.
PNG coach Rickie Herbert was a happy man with the win.
“It’s not gold but it feels like it. Full credit to the boys, they played a wonderful game. If these boys are given a chance and time, they could prove to be a Pacific powerhouse,” he said.
Fiji assistant coach Imdad Ali said the Fiji boys played a good game and they were happy to leave knowing they had qualified for the Olympic Games.
* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP
