We Need To Be Spot On, Says Rodu
Today will be a crucial encounter for the Vodafone Fijian Women’s football team as they take on Solomon Islands at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup qualifier at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
The Marika Rodu coached- side dumped Vanuatu 5-1 while Solomon Islands beat American Samoa 2-0 in their opening games. Although both teams managed to get the game under control, it took them a while to settle into the flow of the occasion.
Solomon Islands coach Diane Justus told OFC Media that mental fitness was the reason behind their win.
“We also did well in terms of technique-wise and ball work,” she said.
However, Justus said they would need to work hard when playing against a more organised and ruthless opponent.
“It’s not going to be as easy against Fiji as we’re playing the host and we might have more spectators too,” she said.
“But despite that we will work on what we can to manage the game. We’re looking forward to that match.”
The Fijians are ready to continue pushing for their place in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in November.
“We’ll take this next match as we took Vanuatu,” Rodu said.
“We’ve business to attend to. We’re on course. It’s a good start for us but we would like to continue building on our opening performance against Solomon Islands.
“We made a lot of mistakes, we could have utilised the chances we created.
“We went successfully behind the defensive line, but did not convert those chances into points.”
The match kicks-off at 3pm.
LINE-UP
Fiji: 1. Adi Tuwai (GK), 2. Louisa Simmons, 3. Jenniffer Tavutia, 4. Mereoni Tora, 5. Laniana Qereqeretabua, 6. Cema Nsau, 7. Koleta Likuculacula, 8. Aliza Hussein, 9. Trina Davis, 10. Luisa Tamanitoakula, 11. Kotivini Tabua, 12. Dilaisana Drodrolagi, 13. Veniana Ranadi, 14. Sonali Rao, 15. Sekola Waqanidrola, 16. Sofi Diyalowai, 17. Viniana Riwai, 18. Annette Nainima, 19. Timaima Vuniyayawa, 20. Anaseini Maucuna (GK)
Solomon Islands: 1. Margaret Kofela (GK), 2. Edith Nari, 3. Cathy Aihunu, 4. Rosie Sambiru, 5. Liza Solo, 6. Merina Joe, 7. Laydah Samani, 8. Serah Ragomo, 9. Agnes Noisi, 10. Crystal Bakalo, 11. Ileen Pegi, 12. Sylvester Maenu’u (GK), 13. Delmay Waihaho, 14. Muriel Gua, 15. Alisha Donga, 16. Joy Timo, 17. Rose Oge, 18. Wendy Basil, 19. Jemina David, 20. Imelda Tehekeni
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Sione Lelenga (Tonga)
Assistant Referee 1: Courteney Bremner (New Zealand); Assistant Referee 2: Nikola Holika (Tonga); Fourth Official: Tapaita Lelenga (Tonga)
WHAT’S ON TODAY
12pm American Samoa v Vanuatu,
3pm: Fiji v Solomon Islands
– Edited by Nikolau Ravai
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
