Fiji’s Under-16 football coach, Sunil Kumar, anticipates a challenging match against New Zealand on Sunday during the OFC U16 Championship final in Pape’ete, Tahiti. Kumar acknowledged that New Zealand would likely be considered the favorites but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to pull off an upset.
“We entered this tournament aiming to make history,” Kumar stated, emphasizing that Fiji has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. “We have achieved that milestone, but we also want to win the championship.”
Kumar shared the excitement of having a significant opportunity before them, encouraging his players to approach the match with a clear mind and to give their best performance.
New Zealand, coached by Martin Bullock, is heavily favored following their 7-1 triumph over Fiji in the group stage. The New Zealand team has scored an impressive 28 goals while conceding only one throughout the tournament.
Bullock remarked on their previous encounter with Fiji, acknowledging that their victory positions them as favorites. He noted that both teams have insights into each other’s playing styles and emphasized the importance of maximizing their advantages during the final.
“No matter the competition—club or international—if you reach a final, the goal is to win. We are looking forward to the game,” Bullock concluded.