Samuela Drudru Strike Twice In Fiji Win
Samuela Drudru scored twice with two shots on goal and Rusiate Matererega pounced on a late goalkeeping mistake to secure Fiji victory against their Francophone neighbours.
Tuesday 19 March 2019 | 10:30
Samuela Drudru celebrates after scoring goal for Fiji at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on March 18,2019. Photo: Simione Haravanua
Vodafone Fiji football coach Christophe Gamel says his team could have done better in their 3-0 win over New Caledonia at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Samuela Drudru scored twice with two shots on goal and Rusiate Matererega pounced on a late goalkeeping mistake to secure Fiji victory against their Francophone neighbours.
Fiji played the last 12 minutes with 10 men after captain Laisenia Raura was sent off for striking New Caledonia striker Roy Kayara off the ball.
Despite not creating a single scoring opportunity in the second half, Gamel’s side did well in defense to see out a late New Caledonian onslaught.
Fiji scored against the run of play in the 37th minute after hesitant defending by Kiam Wanesse allowed Drudru to fire low to beat the goalkeeper.
Drudru got his second on the cusp of halftime after a brilliant corner delivery from Zibraaz Sahib landed on the head of Nicholas Prasad who squared for a tap-in.
After some nervous defending to start the game, Fiji recovered with two goals in the space of eight minutes to take a 2-0 lead into half-time.
Nadi striker Matererega made it 3-0 in the 90th minute after New Caledonia goalkeeper Raymond Saihuliwa mis-timed an easy catch that fell in the striker’s path.
Edited by Osea Bola
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