The Vodafone Fijian football team got off to a good start securing a 1-1 draw with Vanuatu in their first friendly match at Port Vila Stadium, Vanuatu yesterday.

Fiji Football Association vice-president and national team director Tarunesh Reddy said despite the draw, coach Frank Farina was happy with the performance.

“For our first game against Vanuatu in their home ground where they had the support of their fans, our boys did really well,” Reddy said.

“Frank tried out some new formations and techniques and it worked out well, so that really says something about the progress of the team.

“We have been in camp for a good amount of time and playing together under Frank showed positive results in terms of performance.

“We were unsettled at the start and were down by one goal but the fighting spirit in the boys is what kept the game alive.

“They did not give up and in football that is an important factor and anything can happen which is what showed here today (yesterday).”

Playing their second friendly game on Tuesday, Reddy said New Zealand-based striker Roy Krishna will give the side a boost.

“Roy arrives in Vanuatu on Monday where he will be joined the team before our game on Tuesday and we are excited to have him be a part of the team,” he said.

“His presence in the squad will be a huge boost for our side and give the boys a bit of confidence going into their next game.

“We played Vanuatu so we know what to expect in our second game, so for now it’s just back to the drawing board.”

Vanuatu drew first blood in the 28th minute with a goal from Kensi Tangis.

Despite Vanuatu holding their lead in the first and second half, Fiji never gave up with Avinesh Waran Suwamy scoring the equaliser from free kick in injury time to level the score 1-1.

Fiji will play Vanuatu on Tuesday at 5pm (Fiji time) at Port Vila Stadium.

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