Fiji welcome back star striker Roy Krishna for today's second football friendly against Vanuatu.
The 28 year old Wellington Phoenix forward missed Saturday's 1-1 draw between the two sides in Port Vila.
Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna celebrates a goal. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fiji's Abbu Zahid tapped home a dramatic equaliser seconds before the final whistle to cancel out an 11th minute strike from Vanuatu striker Kensi Tangis.
Fiji national team director Taranesh Reddy says the tour of Vanuatu is the start of a busy six months as Fiji prepares for the Oceania Nations Cup in May.
He says it's always a cracker match between the Melanesian rivals.
"Vanuatu is a good side and they played well against us on Saturday and we expect them to be more tougher tomorrow [Tuesday]. They have seen us playing, we have seen them playing [and] we have got Roy included so it's going to be a good tough match. Roy has been a part of the national team for a long time. His achievement playing with the Wellington Phoenix is a great thing for Fiji Football and for Roy too and yes Roy included in the team will make a lot of difference."
Vanuatu football coach Moise Poida says the home series has been a welcome addition to the calendar after months of inaction.
Vanuatu football coach Moise Poida. Photo: Vanuatu Football Federation
The former Vanuatu midfielder was promoted to the top job last month, having previously coached the national Under 17s and Under 20s teams, and local club Tafea in the Oceania Champions League.
Poida believes his team dominated both halves at the weekend and blamed the referee, for playing six minutes of injury time instead of three, for allowing Fiji the chance to equalise.
He says it's good to have the team back on the park.
"It's very important for us to play in the national team because at the moment in Port Vila we don't have any game at all since May. The [domestic] championship hasn't started yet but these games have given us some positive feedback on how we're going to develop our players in all areas which we lack on then move forward. There will be more friendly games coming in the beginning of the next year."
