Fiji has advanced to the semifinals of the OFC Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against New Caledonia in their final Group A match held in Papua New Guinea. This result places the team, coached by Rob Sherman, in second place in the group with five points, while New Caledonia finishes on top with seven points.
Entering the match with high hopes of claiming the group lead, Fiji took an early advantage when captain Roy Krishna scored from the penalty spot just before halftime, following a foul against him. However, New Caledonia came out strong in the second half, and Jean-Jacques Katrawa equalized in the 59th minute, skillfully assisted by Abezeier Jeno.
Fiji nearly clinched the win in the closing moments of the match when substitute Christopher Wasasala’s header found the net but sadly hit the post before being cleared away by the opposing defense.
Looking ahead, Fiji will prepare for the semifinals scheduled in New Zealand next year, where they are likely to face the host nation. This draws a promising picture for Fiji as they continue their journey in the qualifiers, showcasing their resilience and skill on the field.
Summary: Fiji secures a spot in the OFC Qualifiers semifinals for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw against New Caledonia, finishing second in Group A. Captain Roy Krishna’s penalty goal was countered by New Caledonia’s equalizer, but Fiji remains hopeful for their upcoming matches in New Zealand.
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