Despite the 6-3 loss, the Digicel Fiji Beach soccer side put up a strong performance in their opening match against the Solomon Islands during the Oceania Football Confederation Beach Soccer National Cup in Tahiti yesterday.
Making a comeback in the regional competition after a lapse of 12 years, the Fiji team proved to be a handful with goalkeeper and captain Simione Tamanisau the standout player for the national team with his crucial saves throughout the match.
The Bilikiki went ahead in the opening minute through an own goal deflected off the head of Gabiriele Matanisiga, which went past Tamanisau.
Fiji had a few goal scoring chances in the first period, however, they were not clinical, until replacement player Rajneel Singh’s powerful shot went past Solomon Islands goalkeeper Abraham Bird.
Both sides remained one-all at the end of the first period.
A brilliant set-piece move from a corner kick at the start stanza which was tapped in the goal by Matanisiga put Fiji in the lead which was short-lived after Thomas Amasia individual goal levelled the scores.
It was Max Fa’ari who put the Solomon Islands ahead after a beautifully worked move from Bilikiki goalkeeper Abraham Bird to set-up the goal. A textbook goal from veteran James Naka and a rebound strike from captain Albert Bobby put the Bilikiki in control late into the second period.
Thomas Amasia’s brace in the opening 30 seconds of the third extended Solomon Islands lead to four goals. Fiji’s sustained pressure were rewarded in the 31st minute when Ravneel Pal headed in a goal from a corner kick to end the game by 3-6.
The Bilikiki could have scored at least three more goals if it was not for Labasa goalie Simione Tamanisau who blocked a couple of attempts from the Solomon Islands forward player.
There was a lot of positives for coach Jerry Sam and his boys after the national side worked tirelessly throughout the match, scrapping for everything against the OFC beach soccer powerhouse.
Fiji coach Jerry Sam said he was proud of the boys performance against a good Solomon Islands team.
“We are continuing to develop and get better and definitely this game will help us improve and develop more and as a coach I am very proud of them.
“I believe we need to be more clinical in finishing and we will emphasise on this as we we re-group.” Sam added that it was great for Fiji to be back playing beach soccer.
“This competition will help us develop and grow more in beach soccer in the future and we can show that Fiji is back into beach soccer,” said Sam.
Solomon Islands coach Gideon Omokirio said the boys worked together for a win and he was he happy with the performance.
“Our fitness is the main thing we displayed against Fiji and we will work on it and strengthen on it,” said Omokirio. Fiji face Tonga at 11.45am today.
