Digicel Fiji Beach Soccer team has been beaten 6-3 by the Solomon Islands in their first match of the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Tahiti.
Fiji’s Gabiriele Matanisiga scored an own goal in the opening minute.
Rajneel Singh equalised in the 7th minute and the teams were tied 1-1 at half time.
Fiji took the lead at the start of the second half with Matanisiga tapping in at the far post.
Captain Albert Bobby and veteran James Naka scored one each goal while Max Fa’ari and Thomas Amasia scored two goals each for the Solomon Islands.
Fiji continued to press and had a period of sustained pressure and were rewarded in the 31st minute when Ravneel Pal scored to close the gap.
Coach Jerry Sam says the boys are a bit down now but they fought hard and competed strongly against a very good team.
Sam says they will definitely get better the more matches they play together.
Fiji will take on Tonga at midday tomorrow.
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