The Digicel Bula Boys went down 1-2 to Vanuatu national football side in their opening match of the Tri-Nations FIFA International Friendlies at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Despite the devastating effects of the two recent cyclones back in Vanuatu, the players played their hearts out and gave back their people something to cheer about.
Coach Mermer Etienne said it was always tough playing Fiji at home but they are delighted with the first-up win.
“We respect the Fijian football team. We rate them above us because they are the best among the Island countries.
“We are very grateful to Fiji FA for inviting us to be part of the Tri-nations series. We hardly play internationals friendly so we took the opportunity with both hands when we were invited. It’s always tough to play here so this win means a lot, especially in how we have come over,” Etienne said.
Fiji head coach Marika Rodu had mixed feelings about the first-up loss.
“It was a mixed feeling altogether. I think we started very well dictating play. But then they visited our box five times and they scored twice.
“It’s those crucial moments when we lose the ball and our reaction level is very slow. We need to defend well and improve on it before the second match on Thursday.
“Our decision-making in the final third on the attack is also one area we will be working on,” Rodu added.
Patrick Joseph for Fiji equalised from the penalty spot to cancel out Jonathan Spokeyjack’s opener for the visitors.
Claude Aru scored from a spectacular free-kick past the stunned Fiji defense and keeper Akuila Mataisuva close to the break which proved to be the winner.
The Digicel Bula Boys will take on Digicel Junior Bula Boys in their second match this Thursday at 2 pm while Vanuatu will face Solomon Islands at 5 pm. Both matches will be played at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
