‘Bapa’ leads Fiji to victory
UNDER great Billy ‘Bapa’ Singh’s management, Fiji soccer recorded its first-ever win against New Zealand at Govind Park, Ba, in 1988.
The historic win was reported in The Fiji Times on November 4, 1988, during the visitors’ visit to Fiji.
The national side drew 1-1 in Suva and recorded the historic 2-0 win at Govind Park.
The Pita Dau-skippered side turned on a magical second spell to keep their unbeaten run this season.
Both Fiji and New Zealand had a slow and lack-lustre first spell in the third international at Ba.
New Zealand coach Kevin Fallon, who had criticised the standard of refereeing in the first two matches, commended Tailevu Naitasiri’s Prakash Chandra’s control.
“He was a lot better than the other two, and I have no complaints against anyone. Fiji played well and if they play in the same heat against Australia, they should win,” Fallon said.
Heat was again a problem for Fallon’s XI and players often called for cans of water. The second half became scrappy at moments, with a few heated arguments exchanged by players of both teams.
Fiji’s defence was at their best, but the strikers still lacked the thrust needed to bag goals.
Singh commended his brigade and said the win was a morale booster as the players prepared for their battle against the Socceroos.
“Everyone played their part, and it was just unlucky that we couldn’t get more goals. I will be working on the striking force,” Singh said.
Soccer’s Sportsman of the Year, Abraham Watkins, played a grand game from the sweeper’s berth.
The Cuvu farmer made another crucial save off the line.
Watkins had made similar clearances in the earlier matches. And goalkeeper Nasoni Buli had better watch his movements out of the goal area.
Buli took great risks in moving out from his goal area to collect 50/50 balls. Thrice he was beaten to such balls, and if the Kiwi strikers had been on target, the result could have been different.
Watkins, in his 10th year with the national team, was always behind Buli to make last ditch saves.
Fiji scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute. Linkman Meli Vuilabasa created a move from midfield and unloaded to Ivor Evans.
Evans skilfully controlled and left it for Simon Peters to shoot.
Peters’ shot was headed out by defender Richard Mulligan.
But Vuilabasa, waiting near the penalty spot, powered back a header which caught goalkeeper Alan Stroud off balance.
Fallon injected four substitutes in the second spell as his side searched for an equaliser.
England-born Fallon said the Fiji team was the best he had seen in the last ten years.
“I have been making trips to Fiji since 1977 and this team is the best ever produced. If they maintain their form, they should bring honours to the country,” Fallon said.
He was impressed with Evans’ and Vuilabasa’s skills and commended the defence.
Fallon said he would go back and work on his own squad for their World Cup match against Chinese Taipei.