Courtesy: Fiji Live


Fiji edges Vanuatu in FUTSAL opener

July 06, 2009

Host nation Fiji registered a hard fought 2-1 victory over Vanuatu in the opening match of the 2009 Oceania Football Confederation FUTSAL championship at the Vodafone Arena in Suva this evening.

Suva defender Sandeep Nair was the hero of the Imtiaz Khan coached side as scored both of Fiji's goals in the second spell after both teams failed to find the net in the evenly contested first spell.

Fiji goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau who played a grand game between the sticks made a blunder in the dying minutes of the match which saw Vanuatu pull one back. Tamanisau in his desperation to clear the ball, blssted it on to the back of Vanuatu striker Terry Quarer with the ball finding an empty net.

Fiji coach Imtiaz Khan said he was happy with start but added they will need to polish up in certain areas before their next match against defending champions, Solomon Islands tomorrow.

"I am happy with the win and it is a good start for Fiji."

"Vanuatu was a very tough and experienced side and I take my hats off to the boys for playing their best and registering a win which indeed has boosted the team morale ahead of the big match tomorrow" said Khan..

Final score: Fiji 2-1 Vanuatu.

The teams:
Fiji: Simione Tamanisau, Mira Sahib, Sandeep Nair, Aisea Codro, Kamal Hassan, Shivam Nathan, Mohammed Shalmeen,Joseph Mishra, Uraia Loki, Christopher Kumar, Emori Ragata.

Vanuatu: Daniel Mansale, Pascai Bala, Morsen Sope, Don Mansale, Marco Herrominly, Lui Sifas, Terry Quare, Ben Hungai, Louis Dominique, Junior Malas, Vira Jack Ala, Ben Edward.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com