Fiji U-19 dedicates game against Samoa to late goal keeper

Fiji U-19 women’s team dedicated their 2-2 draw against Samoa to their team member Francine Lockington, who passed away last Saturday.

The late Lockington is an upcoming goal keeper, who was part of the team to participate in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship but withdraw prior to the team’s departure due to illness.

Her death was a big blow for the Fiji team but despite of cloud of sadness hovering over them they put their hearts for Francine.

Fiji coach Saroj Kumar said it was tough outing for the Fijian girls who were still visibly shaken by the loss of their teammate and they want to dedicate his side’s valiant performance to Lockington.

“Today (yesterday) they were playing for Francine,” he said after their game at Ngahue Reserve, Auckland.

“Francine was our number one goalkeeper and when they came here to the ground on the bus, normally our team comes in singing but today they came in crying for Francine.

“We want to dedicate our games to Francine,” he said.

Fiji took control of the game and looks promising to win the game but they were unlucky to convert their chances created in front of the Samoa goal mouth.

Both teams threw everything to find the goal from the start but were locked nil all at half time.

Fiji pushed forward early in the second half and earned their lead when Cema Nasau sent a cracker over Samoa goal keeper Jecky Toma’s hands.

Samoa responds quickly and equalized it from Hunter Malaki’s free kick that went straight into the back of Fiji net.

They took advantage of it and extend their lead when Shalom Fiso sends a high ball over Ateca Tuwai’s hands from outside the Fiji box.

Fiji has to play their hearts out for their team mates Francine fight back and manage to finish of the game with a draw just before full time form a free kick by Captain Luisa Tamanitoakula.

Fiji after Match day 3 has settled in the third position with four points while Samoa settled on fifth position with two points.

A moment of silence in remembrance of Lockington was observed before the match.

 

 

Photo: OFC via Phototek. Caption: Caption: Fiji captain Luisa Tamanitoakula, left, took position of the ball as Samoa player challenged during the Match Day 3 of the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship. 

     

Author: 
Charles Kadamana