The Digicel Fiji Bula Boys clinched the fourth spot at the 2024 Oceania Football Confederation Men’s Nations Cup, losing 2-1 to Tahiti in the contest for third place, which took place in Vautatu. Fiji’s coach, Rob Sherman, gave the opportunity to players who had spent the majority of the tournament on the bench to exhibit their skills on the field.
The first half of the game wasn’t a highlight, with neither team able to produce significant scoring opportunities. However, Fiji’s captain, Roy Krishna, brought energy to the field upon entering the match after half-time.
In his 57th game for Fiji, Krishna skillfully outmaneuvered Tahiti’s goalie, marking his 41st national goal and Fiji’s only score of the match. But the day belonged to Tahiti’s captain, Teaonui Tehau. Scoring twice within 11 minutes of the second half, Tehau led his team to the victory, leaving Fiji short of the bronze medal.
Sherman, however, remains focused on the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers later in the year. His primary ambition is to train all the players for high-pressure matches. The first stage of the qualifiers will take place in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in October. The semifinals and final will occur early next year.
The victor of the qualifier earns automatic entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the runner-up will progress to the next stage of the qualifiers.
In related news, New Zealand claimed victory against the host team, Vanuatu, with a score of 3-0 in the final match.