“There were a few tactical issues we did not address in the first half that led to those goals. We spoke about it at halftime and we came back a different side. I was pleased with our second half performance,” Sherman said.
Fiji Under-23 goalkeeper Aydin Mustahib makes a save against New Zealand during the OFC U23 Championship at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 30, 2023. Photo: OFC Media
The Fiji Under-23 football team must beat Papua New Guinea on Saturday if they are to qualify for the semifinal of the OFC U23 Championship.
Fiji U23 coach Rob Sherman said yesterday that they have no choice but to beat PNG.
This was after the Fijians suffered a 3-1 loss to New Zealand in their Group opener in Auckland.
Three quick goals by the host in the space of six minutes in the first half had Fiji trailing 3-0 at halftime.
The Etonia Dogalau-captained side came out firing in the second spell with Aporosa Yada pulling a goal back in the 50th minute.
The Fiji U23 side had a number of scoring chances, but the final execution was not there.
“There were a few tactical issues we did not address in the first half that led to those goals. We spoke about it at halftime and we came back a different side. I was pleased with our second half performance,” Sherman said.
He also pointed out that they need to build on from the goal scoring chances that came their way.
New Zealand U23 coach Darren Bazeley said the message to his players at halftime was to manage the game and stay professional.
“They were told not to do much but be professional about it. There were lots of learnings as well,” he added.
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