Fiji draw with Solomon Islands in first match

The Vodafone Fiji soccer team and the Solomon Islands played out a one all draw in an international friendly match at the ANZ Stadium last night.

Fiji created a number of good scoring chances but Solomon Islands held their own.

Fiji captain Beniamino Mateniqara saved a penalty from veteran Solomon striker Benjamin Totori in the first half.

Epeli Saukuru scored Fiji’s goal in the 37th minute after Christopher Wasasala broke through the penalty box and dribbled pass three Solomon Islands defenders.

In the 43rd minute of the first half, Solomon Islands got their second penalty of the game and this time stylish midfielder Micah Lea'a-lafa made no mistakes as he equalized for his team.

Both teams were locked one all at half time.

In the second half both teams created a few scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize.

A few players also made their debut for the national team including Vuniuci Tikomaimereke, Madhvan Goundar, Ravinesh Karan Singh and Manav Permal.

Fiji coach Christophe Gamel says he is happy with the result despite the lack of time to prepare the team.

The second friendly match will be played at 3pm Sunday at Churchill Park and you can catch the live commentary of the game on our sister station, Radio Sargam.