A deflection from a powerful drive by defender Kolinio Sivoki from a free kick was all the Vodafone Fijian football team needed to grab a 1-0 win against Solomon Islands yesterday.

Around 2500 fans turned-up at Churchill Park, Lautoka and went home satisfied that the Fijian side have changed for the better. Fiji pumped up the tempo in the second spell and a red card to Solomon Islands experienced defender Nelson Sale resulted in the goal that proved the outcome of the match. The visitors were lucky not to have scored in the first spell as Fijian goalkeeper Tevita Koroi saved what seemed like a possible goal with a magnificent dive to his right.

What happened: The first spell was evenly matched as both sides strung passes together in an effort to gain the upper hand in territorial play. Fiji continually played the ball back to Koroi on numerous occasions and one such occasion was when he had to make that remarkable save.

The visitors strike team of Micah Lea’alafa, Benjamin Totori and Jerry Lou Donga were quick to keep Fiji pinned back near their goal area whenever they had the ball

Halftime: Fiji 0-0 Solomon Islands

The Fijian side were given a strong pep talk at the break and their game lifted in the second spell.

Their quick one touch football kept the Solomons side backpedalling and even with the visitors made four changes in one instance as their attack continued to lose momentum as the game proceeded.

Fiji started to dominate play and in the 58th minute, what seemed like Sale’s fist strike on the jaw of midfielder Christopher Wasasala saw him booked for a second yellow card which resulted in his sending off. Sivoki’s powerful drive deflected off the defence and fumbled by replacement keeper Isomo Bird for Fiji to lead 1-0.

The Solomons tried for an equaliser but with each charge being continually stopped, their morale started to drop.

Comments: Solomon Islands coach Felipe Alonso said: “We did not play as well as the last match and made few mistakes.

“The red card was a big mistake and also the one by the keeper. Today Fiji was better, did a better job, competed and came out winners. Despite being a man and a goal down the team held quite well.”

Fijian coach Christophe Gamel said he tried to make some tactical change to their game and the players responded well.

“It is still hard to get discipline but we need discipline and organisation.

“I am happy for the people of Fiji who have come to witness another type of football.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj