Fiji yesterday lost 2-3 to Vanuatu in their second match of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) U17 Women’s Championship in Cook Islands.

Fiji Football Association women’s director Susan Wise was disappointed at the way the girls played.

“They definitely did not play like how they did in their first game against Cook Islands last Friday which we won 3-0,” Wise said.

“It was quite frustrating knowing that there were so many goal opportunities but they just couldn’t find the back of the net.

“The finishing is something that really needs to be worked on, the defence and attack was a bit poor in this game, so there is still a lot of work to be done.

“We’ve set a game plan for them to follow but nothing can be achieved from that if the girls do not stick to what they are given. We definitely need to go back to the drawing board and plan out our next game and what we need to do because a comfortable win is important for us in order to progress forward.”

It was a quiet first-half for both teams with Fiji having chances at goal but could not find the back of the net and

Vanuatu punished them as Annie Gere scored the first goal a minute before halftime.

Three minutes into the second-half, Cynthia Ngwele scored Vanuatu’s second goal to further their lead, 2-0.

Fiji bounced back late in the game with goals from Cema Nasau in the 71st minute and Koleta Likuculacula in the 74th minute to equalise, 2-2.

Leimata Simon scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute.

Tropical Cyclone Victor
Wise said the players were safe and in good care with Cyclone Victor expected to intensify into a Category Four today.

“The weather has started to change but the girls are safe and sound,” Wise said. “We’re looking after them and for now we are just looking forward to our last game against Papua New Guinea.”

Fiji play PNG at 3pm tomorrow.

Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj