A goal in each half, first by Pita Bolaitoga and later Esava Naqeleca guided Fiji who last played an international match in 2008.
Home town boys Pita Bolaitoga and Roy Krishna combined to score on the 13th minute of the match. From a pass Krishna powered through a Vanuatu defender and rushed towards the right hand of the opposition box before crossing to Bolaitoga who made no mistake in finding the target.
Vanuatu dominated early play but the brick wall defence of Fiji led by rugged Pene Erenio, Taniela Waqa, Seveci Rokotakala, Esava Naqeleca and Peniame Drova safeguarded their wall all night. But the visitors did not give up, trying to find an equaliser.
Esava Naqeleca scored in the dying minutes of the match which ended Vanuatu’s comeback. Vanuatu defender was picked up for technical foul with Fiji being awarded a free kick which Naqeleca made no mistake in converting.
The visitors came off a two match series against Solomon Islands tried hard to pick up their first victory on tour but were unsuccessful as Fiji held on for a famous victory.
A delighted Fiji coach Gurjit Singh who was in his first match in-charge of the national side, said the victory was a good start to their build up for the Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
“It is a good start to our campaign towards the Pacific Games,” Singh said.
“We knew Vanuatu had good defenders so that is why we had three strikers upfront. Fiji played an international after a long time and it was good to win. Our focus is now towards the second game on Friday and we I will be looking forward in giving some other players a run.
“This is a chance for players to prove that they deserve to be in the national side for the Pacific Games,” Singh said.
Natonga Saby the Vanuatu coach, said their recent tour has been a positive one in terms of exposing theitr young talent.
“We knew that Fiji is a very good side and we wanted to try out our young players. We played Solomons and now Fiji. Both play different styles and it was a chance to see how we did under the high balls,” he said.
Vanuatu will get another crack at the Fiji side on Friday night at Churchill Park as the two match series draws to a close.
Fiji: 1. Simione Tamanisau (GK) (C), 2. Peniame Drova, 4. Seveci Rokotakala, 5. Pene Erenio, 6. Samuela Kautoga, 7. Eran Underwood, 8. Esava Samudere, 11. Roy Krishna, 12. Alvin Avinesh, 14. Taniela Waqa, 15. Pita Bolaitoga (VC)
Reserves: 3. Lorima Dau, 9. Ratu Veresa Toma, 10. Epeli Saukuru, 13. Ilaitia Tuilau, 16. Posiano Kalisito, 17. Arvindra Naidu, 18. Benaminio Mateinaqara (GK)
Vanuatu: 1. Ernest Bong (GK), 2. Alphone Songaim, 3. Selvin Sese Ala, 4. Rexlen Tarivuti, 5. George Meren Tabe, 6. Eddison Stephen, 7. Jean Roberyt Yelou (C ), 9. Robert Tasso, 10. Richard Garea, 11. Yvon August, 12. Kensi Tanglis
Reserves: 14. Andrew Chichirua, 15. Daniel Michel, 16. Altred Malas, 17. Rodney Hinge, Rickson Tari
Shop N Save International Tests
Test One
Full Time: Fiji 2 Vanuatu 0
Fiji Goals: Pita Bolaitoga 13”; Esava Naqeleca 90”
Fiji Caution: Samuela Kautoga 44’
Vanuatu Caution Alphone Bongaim 89’
7pm at Subrail Park, Labasa
Test Two
Friday July 15 2011
7pm Fiji vs. Vanuatu
Churchill Park, Lautoka
