NATIONAL football debutant Solayman Mohammed made a definite impression on the pitch when he scored Fiji’s only goal in an international friendly against Vanuatu on Saturday.
Mohammed’s goal was the Bula Boys’ only effort to place points on the board against a Ni-Van side that won 2-1 in the end on home soil in the capital, Port Vila.
Mohammed is a 21-year-old Australian-based midfielder who signed with Extra Bula FC before the OFC Pro League began this year.
He first played football when he was five and then went into the Australian national premier league system at eight when he joined the New South Wales club, Mounties Wanderers.
A rising journey in the club saw him move to the Bonnyrigg White Eagles in Sydney where he ascended to senior level from the club’s under-18 side.
A stint with St. Mary’s Evergale, along with facing Fijian teams featuring in the AUFFI All Stars gave him exposure to Fijian footballers and eventually Bula FC.
With Bula FC, he played in one match in the inaugural season of the Pro League against Auckland FC on January 23 in a Group A pool match where he came off the bench in the 86th minute.
Meanwhile in Port Vila, Fiji trailed heavily in defence and possession as the Ni-Van side capitalised on blunders incurred by the visitors.
The first half ended in a goalless deadlock for both sides and Fiji drew first blood after the breather with Mohammed’s goal.
Vanuatu responded with two of their own made by Alex Samuel and Thomas Napakourana.
The Bula Boys face Vanuatu in their final friendly tomorrow.
Mohammed.
