Aloud and partisan home crowd were on hand to witness RobSherman’s side make the ideal start to their campaign andgive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals asignificant boost. Less than two minutes were on theclock when the deadlock was broken. The pacey Nabil Beggdriving at the heart of the Papua New Guinea defence beforelashing his effort high into the net, beyond the grasp ofgoalkeeper Ronald Warisan.
Tommy Semmy was workinghard up front for Warren Moon’s side, but they struggledfor much of the opening 45 minutes to truly test IsikeliSevanaia in the Fiji goal. Tevita Waranaivalu was justone of many threats for the co-hosts and the powerfulmidfielder almost doubled the lead in the 20th minute –firing just over the ball from the edge of the area havingpounced on a loose ball. Seven minutes later, ThomasDunn thought he had grabbed Fiji’s second but hisclose-range effort following a rebound was ruled out foroffside.
Defender Scott Wara then went close twice inquick succession – both headers from Waranaivalu corners– but he was denied first by a goal line clearance andthen an acrobatic save from Warisan. The secondfinally arrived not long before half-time and it was Beggagain who caused trouble. The winger’s pace was too muchto handle for the Papua New Guinea defence and when hiscross from the left was deflected, Dunn reacted quickest tonod in from six yards out.
Dunn added a second just 7minutes into the second half, converting from close range asPapua N.
