PNG eye rebound against hosts Fiji

THE national Under-23 men’s team will take a lot of encouragement from their second-half display against Vanuatu when they face hosts Fiji in their second match at Churchill Park in Lautoka today.
PNG need to win to keep their hopes alive in the Oceania Football Confederation Olympic qualifier following their 1-3 loss in the opener.
PNG coach Percy Mataio said they had taken a lot of positives from Sunday’s defeat heading into the clash with the hosts.
“I believe given what we did in the first match, we can only improve and come back stronger for the second game,” he said.
“They are strong and aggressive in attack and defence so we are mindful of that.
“We’ve got our advantages so we will try to use them as much as possible.”
Fiji were wasteful in front of goal against Tonga despite getting a 4-1 win in their opener.
The defending champions are eager to continue their winning run against PNG.
Fiji coach Marika Rodu said he had a game plan to take on their Melanesian rivals.
“We are glad to win the first match and we would like to maintain the momentum going into our next match,” Rodu said.
“We will reflect on the game that is before us, will watch the videos and see the game of PNG trying to see if we can identify some areas we can penetrate, counter and get some opportunities to score at the same time see their strength and see if we can stiffen up our defence wherever its needed.
“Just watching the way they play, offensively they created some good moves.
“But I have seen some areas where we can penetrate in terms of defence and again our rhythm will matter on that day.” – OFC