Sport: Fiji, Solomons U19s make impressive starts

Fiji have opened their OFC Under 19 Football Championship with a impressive 3-1 victory over Melanesian rivals Vanuatu.

The Junior Bula Boys took the lead just before half-time when Ratu Dau chipped goalkeeper Joshua Willie after beating Junior Bule in a foot race to set up a one on one opportunity.

Tito Vodowaqa doubled Fiji's advantage nine minutes into the second spell after connecting with a low cross across the face of goal from Mohammed Naizal.

Vanuatu, who finished runners-up to New Zealand at the last OFC Under 19 Championship, pegged a goal back in the 80th minute when a foul in the box allowed Jordy Tasip to convert from the penalty spot.

But with only added time remaining Vanuatu conceded a penalty of their own at the other end of the field.

Kishan Sami saw his first effort saved but kept his cool to slot home the follow up attempt which gave Fiji a 3-1 lead that they held until the final whistle.

Head coach Bal Reddy said it was a well deserved victory.

"That is basically what we are here for so these three points is a little bit of pressure released and the boys have really played their hearts out today," he said.

"It's a sweet victory for us in terms of in the last two World Cup (qualifying tournament) Vanuatu defeated us so I think it's a good one for us."

In the other Group B clash at Stade Fautaua in Papeete, Solomon Islands came from a goal down to beat New Caledonia 3-2.

The French territory had five or six decent chances in the opening ten minutes but took until the 23rd minute to break the deadlock, when Cyril Drawilo converted from the penalty spot.

Lino Houairia equalised four minutes from the interval after finding himself unmarked at the back post.

In the 52nd minute New Caledonia goalkeeper Christopher Yeiwene was yellow carded as he punched the ball clear under pressure from Ali Mekawir who then left the field with a head injury.

Patrick Taroga fired the resulting penalty past reserve keeper Une Kecine to put Solomon Islands 2-1 to the good, which became 3-1 20 minutes later, when Lucas Bituad's attempt at clearing a corner ended up in the back of his own net.

New Caledonia captain Cyril Drawilo cut the deficit the one with his second penalty goal of the match, following a handball but Solomon Islands held on for the remaining 15 minutes to secure an important first-up result.

"To play against New Caledonia, for the Solomon Islands, is not easy," Solomons coach Batram Suri said.

"It's always one wins, then the other wins and always by a close margin. So we expected that it would be tough today.

"We came from behind, we were doing well and the boys really tried their guts out. The concentration of defending to attack is what the boys did well and they really worked for each other on the field."