DOUBLE goal-scorer for the Fiji under-16 men’s football team, Saula Muatini, acknowledged the unity present within the team following their 5-0 victory over the Cook Islands in their second OFC U-16 Men’s Championship pool match in the Solomon Islands on Wednesday.
Muatini made his first goal of the match in the 4th minute of play after seizing possession on a fumble made by Cook Islands goalkeeper Tearii Scheel.
His second goal came at half-time, adding to the 4-0 lead they had established against the Cooks.
Muatini acknowledged his teammates for the camaraderie shown on the field in their second pool clash.
“I want to thank the teammates for the teamwork, team effort and I’d like to thank the boys for giving their 100% in the field,” Muatini told OFC Media after the match.
He also dedicated their victory to his grandparents and his sister back home.
Meanwhile, during the match, besides his two goals, the other three were made by captain Maikah Dau in the 36th minute, Ryan Achari before half-time and in the 70th minute.
With only one pool match against Papua New Guinea left for the U16 players, their win over the Cooks on Wednesday and against Tahiti on Sunday leaves them at the top of Group A.
Papua New Guinea is in second with four points, the Cook Islands in third with one point and Tahiti at fourth place with none.
In Group B, New Zealand currently tops the pool with 3 points, followed by New Caledonia in second with 3 points and the Solomon Islands and Samoa in third and fourth place respectively with none.
The semi-finals of the championship take place on Wednesday, August 27.