CAPTION: Ratu Nakalevu and team mates celebrate the first goal of their clash. Fiji won 3-2 against New Caledonia. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
By VIJNESH CHAND
The U-20 Kappa Fiji side recorded their second win of the tournament by defeating New Caledonia by 3-2.
Ratu Nakalevu opened the scoring for the Kappa Fiji side from a defensive blunder.
The national U-20 side took early control of the game but visiting New Caledonians equalized through Bernard Waelua. He fired a powerful drive past national u-20 stopper Tevita koroi.
The Duo from Bavu village Rusiate and Qasevakatini combined well in attack for the Kappa Fiji U-20 side and created opportunities for the national side.
Rusiate Matarerega scored from a free kick 35metres out and minutes later got his second goal from a low cross by Qasevatini.
New Caledonia came back firing and got a late goal from captain Jean Brice Wadriako.
Ravinesh kumar, coach for the Kappa Fiji U-20 side was happy with the performance.
“Starting Rusiate Matarerega paid dividends as he combined well in attack and took the chances, ”said Ravinesh Kumar.
Fiji takes on New Zealand in the next match on Wednesday 27th March at Govind Park and is bye of Monday.
All Whites meet New Caledonia on Monday while Vanuatu meets PNG at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Meanwhile the national side is now locked with six points in the tournament together with All Whites who have a better goal advantage.