The Digicel Fiji Bula Boys concluded their campaign in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup with a 2-1 defeat against hosts Vanuatu in the semi-final.
Vanuatu asserted themselves as the dominant force on their home turf, bolstered by the support of a passionate home crowd.
The match began with Vanuatu’s Johnathan Spokeyjack opening the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Fiji managed to equalize early in the second half, with Sitiveni Cavuilagi finding the back of the net in the 46th minute.
However, Vanuatu quickly responded, regaining the lead in the 56th minute through a header by Jason Thomas.
Despite Fiji’s aspirations to make history by reaching their first-ever final in the competition, they fell short against a determined Vanuatu side.
Fiji will now face Tahiti in the third-place play-off on Sunday at 12pm, while Vanuatu will go on to face New Zealand in the final on Sunday at 4pm.
