A double to co-captain Penisoni Tirau ensured the Digicel Fiji Junior Bula Boys start their campaign at the OFC Men’s Under-19 Championship on a winning note.
Down by a goal deficit, Fiji dug deep to come away with a 3-1 win over Tahiti in their opening Group A match at the FFS Football Stadium Field 2 in Apia, Samoa.
Although the Fijian side started the match well, it was Tahiti that got on the scoreboard first with captain Kamalani Benneti netting from far right leaving no chance for goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro.
Tirau and Ibraheem Afazal had numerous chances, but Tahiti goalkeeper Keakinui Heinis held up well to deny Fiji any shot at goal.
Fiji had a golden chance in the 42nd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Tirau was fouled inside the box.
The captain failed to capitalise from the penalty spot but cleaned up well three minutes later, setting up a goal to New Zealand-based Akash Prasad who equalised with a pile driver.
Five minutes later the Fijians were in front as Tirau found his rhythm scoring their second from long range in added time.
Leading 2-1 into the second half, the Marika Rodu-coached side lifted the momentum as they constantly applied pressure on their opponent.
Just two minutes in and Fiji was celebrating again with Xavier College student from Ba, Tirau heading in his second after a beautiful set-up by co-captain and national defender Sterling Vasconcellos.
The Apia heat wasn’t kind as it took its toll on both teams, but Fiji had done just enough to cling on to the win.
Tirau was also named the player of the match.
Fiji will play the Solomon Islands in its next match at 11am on Monday.
