Usenio Logaivau, the Fiji women’s head coach, said the test was a just a preview of what awaits his girls at the Pacific Games in New Caledonia. #“I’m happy with a 2-0 victory,” he said. #“At the end of the day a win is a win. We raised our standards from the Battle of the Giants competition and this test has helped us know about our strength and weakness in terms of the international standard.”#“The focus now will be on the second test. I might give some new faces a chance on the run on side. Pacific Games is just around the corner and we cannot afford to risk injuries.” #The match was played under slippery, heavy, muddy and wet conditions due to the recent adverse weather condition in the country. Both sides were forced to keep their attack tight as heavy conditions denied a free flowing game. #But it was Fiji who took early advantage of the Samoans who took a while adjusting to the conditions.#The Fijian midfield setup Australian based Vanisha Kumar who rushed near the Samoan box and sent a perfect cross to striker Sofi Diyalowai to score the opening goal of the match on the 4th minute. #Playing an international match after a lapse of four years was a special moment for the Samoans who were not prepared to go down without a fight.#Stunned by an early goal the visitors regrouped and fought back in a bid to equalise. Fiji felt the physical presence of the Samoans who did not leave an inch uncovered after letting in an early goal. While building on their attacks and completing few phases the visitors lacked in the finishing department. #The second early did not disappoint the small crowd gathered at Thomson Park. The Samoans kept Fiji on their toes throughout the encounter. #Both sides went to the bench to bring on some fresh legs. Fiji had chances early on the second spell to score but was not on target. #Playing in her hometown it was local Virisila Francis who came off the bench later in the match and scored Fiji’s second in the dying stages of the match. A Samoan defender slipped while trying to clear, Francis was on at the right place to sneak in a goal. # #Samoa women’s head coach Tala Salamasina expects his side to step a notch up in the second test. #“The condition today did not help us but we have got another game against Fiji so hopefully that will be a changed match and I’m sure we will do better than is,” he said.# “This is the first international match that we have played after four years and I think we were a bit rusty as we are starting over again at the international stage,” he said.# The second test will be played on Thursday 2pm at the TFL National Stadium in Suva. #Full Time: Fiji Women’s 2 Samoa Women’s 0#Fiji Goals: Sofi Diyalowai 4”; Virisila Francis 90”#Fiji Caution: Lajipa Daini 75’#Samoa Caution: Malelega Seko 85’#11am at Thomson Park, Navua#Fiji Women#1. Matelita Vuakoso (GK), 2. Raijeli Lewasoqevula (C), 3. Salote Yaya, 4. Laijipa Daini, 5. Joyce Naceva, 7. Bela Ratubalavu, 8. Maria Lewavuni, 9. Vanisha Kumar, 10. Viniana Riwai, 11. Sofi Diyalowai, 14. Koleta Boraqa, #Reserves: 6. Stella Naivalulevu, 12. Priya Singh, 13. Virisila Francis, 15. Kurukaba Ligavola, 16. Ane Maria, 17. Renee Biautubu, 18. Naomi Waqanidrola, 19, Marica Ratuki, 20. Kolora Sucu (GK)#Samoa Women#1.Marilene Papalii (GK), 2. Hana Malo, 3. Tanya Bryce, 4. Avondale Sasi, 5. Anuilagi Mulipola, 6. Leti Tamasese, 7. Semeatu Lemana (C), 10. Suitupe Tafafa, 19. Sally Kaokao, 21. Olga Sagatu#Reserves: 9. Malelega Seko, 11. Lanuola Munipola, 12. Lelava Laupepa, 13. Nadia Malifa, 14. Faata Obrien. 15. Faanunu Ropeti, 16. Sa Faapusi, 17. Faasega O’kceffe, 18. Arieta Ropeti, 20. Tamasailau Leuta, 22. Saini Umutaua#
