Defender Kolinio Sivoki was the toast of the Vodafone Fijian football side after he scored the goal that saw them beat Solomon Islands 1-0 at Churchill Park, Lautoka, yesterday.

Taking a free kick in the 60th minute Sivoki drove the ball and in its flight curved in, deflected off a defender.

Solomon Islands goal keeper Isomo Bird watches as Vodafone Fiji Kolinio Sivoki shot beats him at the Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

Vodafone Fiji Kolinio Sivoki celebrates his goal against Solomon Islands at the Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

“I was confident to slot that goal in so I called out to the boys that I will take that shot,” he said.

“It was a sure thing to score with a curling shot and it just happened as I had planned. It is a sweet memory to score as the Lautoka fans watched the match.”

The 22-year-old, who played for the Fijian Under-20 in the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2015, said there was a tough competition among players to make the team to play against New Caledonia.

“It’s tough but it is manageable and I look forward to that clash. It will be interesting to play New Caledonia at home but we have to be positive at all times.”

Solomon Islands and Fiji played two friendly internationals ahead of World Cup qualification matches. They drew 1-1 in Suva on Thursday.

Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj