The Digicel Fiji national men’s team thrilled their fans with an emphatic victory over Papua New Guinea in their opening Group B match at the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in Suva.
A raucous home crowd watched as Rob Sherman’s side delivered a convincing performance to boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Fiji wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Nabil Begg breaking the deadlock in less than two minutes. Begg’s swift run and powerful shot left Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Ronald Warisan helpless.
Despite Tommy Semmy’s efforts up front, Warren Moon’s Papua New Guinea team struggled to challenge Fiji’s goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia in the first half. Fiji nearly doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Tevita Waranaivalu’s shot from the edge of the area narrowly missed.
Thomas Dunn thought he had scored Fiji’s second in the 27th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Defender Scott Wara came close twice from Waranaivalu corners but was denied by a goal-line clearance and a spectacular save from Warisan.
Fiji’s persistence paid off just before half-time when Begg’s cross was deflected, allowing Dunn to score from close range. Dunn struck again seven minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Papua New Guinea.
Fiji continued to dominate, with Setareki Hughes’ deflected shot making it 4-0. Roy Krishna added to the tally in the 64th minute, finishing confidently after a pass from Mosese Nabose.
Papua New Guinea managed a consolation goal in the 88th minute when Tommy Semmy scored following a precise through ball from Lee-Navu Faunt. The match ended 5-1 in favor of Fiji.
Match Summary:
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Tommy Semmy 88′)
Fiji: 5 (Nabil Begg 2’, Thomas Dunn 43’, 52’, Own Goal 55’, Roy Krishna 64’)
Half-Time: 0-2
Fiji’s commanding performance sets a strong tone for their OFC Men’s Nations Cup campaign, delighting their supporters and enhancing their semi-final prospects.
