Meli Laddpeter 
The Fiji Bula Boys kick started their FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers campaign with a 1-nil win over the Solomon Islands at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last night.
Solomon Islands were dominant in the opening 10 minutes of the match, creating a handful of scoring attempts at Fiji’s goal.
Roy Krishna’s goal from a narrow angle in the 13th minute proved enough for Rob Sherman’s side who had Aporosa Yada sent off for a lunging tackle in the 39th minute.
Roy Krishna scores the lone goal of the match
Fiji managed to hold their line despite being one player down, defending their turf until halftime.
Coach Rob Sherman says it was a brave effort from the Bula Boys.
“It was incredibly hard I mean I’m really proud of the lads you know the fight with 10-men for what 60 minutes or so.”
The Bula Boys came out stronger in the second half, keeping the visitors out of their half in the opening 10 minutes.
Krishna led his side from the front, creating a few scoring opportunities for striker Thomas Dunn.
Fiji’s goalkeeper Jerome Narayan was largely untroubled, aside from comfortably claiming a number of dangerous crosses including one in the 73rd minute.
Despite Solomon Island aggressive attacks at Fiji’s goal, the Bula Boys managed to maintain their lead until the the final hooter.
Gabrieli Matanisiga was named the Player of the Match.
In an earlier match,New Caledonia defeated Papua New Guinea 3-1.
The Bula Boys next match will be against PNG next month
