An improved second half performance saw host Fiji beat Tonga 4-1 in its opening Group B fixture of the 2019 OFC Olympic Qualifiers at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Sunday.
The Tongans surprised the crowd with their entertaining display of creative and constructive football in the first half and held their own against the Fijians who fielded their strongest possible lineup which also included Stoke City defender Scott Wara and New Zealand based Mohammed Shah.
Captain Savenaca Baledrokadroka, Kishan Sami, Muni Shivam Naidu and Tito Vodowaqa were denied from scoring by Tongan goalie Mahe Malafu on numerous occasions.
Australia based Mohammed Rajani who is born to a Tongan mother and Pakistani father featured very strongly in midfield and often killed play and disturbed Fiji’s quick moves.
With the first spell ending goalless, Fiji entered the second half with more urgency and managed to finally break the duck in the 53rd minute through a Patrick Joseph penalty which was awarded after Baledrokadroka was fouled inside the Tongan box.
Baledrokadroka slammed in the second goal for Fiji 10 minutes later from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Midfielder Joseph scored his second and Fiji’s third goal in the 66th minute from a powerful volley which sent the goalkeeper diving in the wrong direction.
Replacement striker Bruce Hughes scored Fiji’s fourth goal deep in injury time with his first touch while Tongan Captain Hemaloto Polovili who worked tirelessly in the match scored a consolation goal just before the final whistle.
Fiji Coach Marika Rodu said they took a while to settle the nerves and the players started to click in the second half.
He said despite holding onto possession, they could not convert their chances into goals and Tonga played disturbing football to frustrate them at times.
“It was a good game overall but our performance in the second half was better than how we handled things in the first half.”
“We improved our game in the second half and once the first goal was scored, the spirit and confidence level of the players went up and we managed to score three more.”
“We have to now to put behind this win and start preparing for the next two matches. We will have a good rest and recovery session and will begin our planning for the next game tomorrow.”
His Tongan counterpart Timote Moleni was gracious in defeat and saluted his players for the gallant effort.
“We are not a football playing nation. Football is still very minor in Tonga so this result is encouraging for us as we were able to hold Fiji to a draw in the first half.”
“Of course our second half performance was a little bad as we gave away four goals but the encouraging part was that we also scored a goal.”
“While we are here for the exposure, we are also serious about results as this is the qualifier and we want to do well and get some good outcome from our games,” he said.
Fiji will meet Papua New Guinea in its next match at 3pm on Wednesday while Tonga will come up against Vanuatu at 12pm on the same day.
The teams-
Fiji: Mohammed Alam, Shivam Naidu (Sekove Finau), Mohammed Shah (Bruce Hughes), Tito Vodowaqa, Kishan Sami, Savenaca Baledrokadroka (C), Akeimi Ralulu, Arami Manumanubai (Ivan Kumar), Patrick Joseph, Scott Wara, Peni Tuigulagula.
Tonga: Mahe Malafu, Tevita Vakatapu, Nicholas Vea, Kelepi Mataele, Opesi Tu’ifangaloa, Sione Tuifangaloa, Soakai Vea, Laulea Taufa, Hemaloto Polovili (C), Mohammed Rajani, Valeiaatu Fili.
