The Digicel Fiji Baby Bula Boys are set to compete against the host nation Tahiti in the semi-final of the 2024 Oceania Football Confederation Under-16 Championship on Thursday. Under the guidance of coach Sunil Kumar, the team finished as the runner-up in Group A, securing a narrow 3-2 victory over Vanuatu on Sunday. Tahiti, meanwhile, ended up at the top of its group, winning all three of its matches, including a 2-1 victory over Samoa yesterday.
Kumar is fully aware that the match against Tahiti will be a significant challenge. He stated, “We have come through three tough pool games, and we know the semi-final against Tahiti will be tougher. It’s the semi-final and a win will ensure us a place at the World Cup next year, so the boys have been told to give it their all for this match.”
The coach also expressed gratitude for the support the team has received thus far, adding, “I know there is a lot of expectation from this team, and we will give our best shot in the semis.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 PM on Thursday, with the first semi-final pitting New Zealand against New Caledonia. The winners of both semi-finals will qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar next year, along with the victor of the third-place playoff from the OFC event.