Captain Roy Krishna secured a hat trick, while Sairusi Nalau netted twice in Fiji’s 10-0 victory over a young yet competitive Northern Marianas lineup in their opening game of the 17th Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands tonight.
All of Krishna’s goals came in the first half (7′, 9′, and 35′), while Nalau found the net in the 19th and 44th minutes.
Krishna was happy with the victory but stressed the need for patience with the ball.
Reflecting on his hat trick, he said: “As a striker, I have to score goals and I am just happy that I was at the right place at the right time to help my team win. Can’t get carried away with the results. We have got another big game coming up against Tahiti. For now, we are going to enjoy this moment, but from tomorrow we will focus on Tahiti.”
The team faces Tahiti next on Tuesday, November 21.
A win over Tahiti will ensure the side qualifies from the Group, a feat he acknowledges will not be an easy feat.
“We will keep it simple, focus on ourselves, on what the coach wants us to do. And right now the important thing is to recover because it is very hot. The boys need to get hydrated, ice bath, eat well, and rest well.
Fiji dominated 6-0 at halftime, starting with Nabil Begg’s first-minute goal, marking his first international goal. In the second half, Fiji added four more goals through Etonia Dogalau (56′), Thomas Dunn (66′), Gabriele Matanisiga (81′), and an own goal by Northern Marianas in the 61st minute.
Regarding young talent Nabil, Krishna recognised his potential saying, “The future is in his hands.”
