23 Jan 2016

Sport: Mistakes prove costly for Fiji U23 footballers

1:33 pm on 23 January 2016

A last minute mistake has denied the Fiji Under 23 football team the first victory of their Spanish tour.

Fiji's Olympic football team training in Spain.

Fiji's Olympic football team training in Spain. Photo: Fiji FA Media

The visitors went behind after just seven minutes against the CF Cracks Academy in Valencia after an error from goalkeeper Tevita Koroi.

Fiji equalised in the 32nd minute through striker Abbu Zaid and went in front just before the hour mark when Zaid doubled his tally from a corner.

But with victory in sight, another goalkeeping error allowed the hosts to secure a 2-2 draw in the final seconds.

Head coach Frank Farina told Fiji FA Media that, despite the finish, there were still plenty of positives.

"Two bad mistakes - goalkeeping errors - which is unfortunate. Everyone makes mistakes but it cost us in the end - overall I was pretty happy with the performance of the players. They're adjusting to the conditions and the speed of the play, it's a lot quicker now - they've got to move the ball faster and play 1-2-3 touch and in the three games they've improved every game so I'm pleased with the progress at the moment."

Fiji have lost one and drawn two matches on tour and have a few days off before their next game against Villareal.