The Fiji men’s football team’s pursuit of a spot in the FIFA 2026 World Cup faced a significant blow as captain Roy Krishna will be sidelined for the semi-final match against New Zealand scheduled for March 2024. Roy has suffered a grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing for his club Odisha FC in the Indian Super League, which will also conclude his season as he prepares for surgery.
At 37 years old, Roy has been a vital player for the national team, showcasing his skills during the World Cup play-offs by scoring key goals. He netted the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against the Solomon Islands, added to the scoreline with a goal in the 3-3 draw against Papua New Guinea, and once again found the net in the 1-1 tie against New Caledonia, ensuring Fiji’s advancement to the semi-finals. Over his illustrious career, he has scored 44 international goals for his country.
With Roy’s absence, other forwards such as Sairusi Nalaubu, Merrill Nand, Thomas Dunn, Setareki Hughes, and Nabil Begg will need to step up to fill the leadership and scoring void. Despite the disappointment of being unable to compete in such a critical match, Roy expressed a positive outlook on his recovery, stating that injuries are a part of the sport, and his current focus is on returning to full strength.
He shared his confidence in his teammates and coaching staff, asserting that he believes they will perform admirably in his absence and that he will be supporting them from the sidelines. The Fiji squad remains determined to maintain their momentum and make an impact on the international stage, eagerly anticipating Roy’s eventual comeback.
Support has also poured in from Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera, who expressed sadness over Roy’s injury while exuding confidence in his recovery. He recognized Roy as one of the finest professionals in football, emphasizing the need for the team to stay focused amidst this setback.
This situation, while challenging, can be viewed as an opportunity for other players to demonstrate their skills on a larger stage, and fans will be hopeful for Roy’s swift return to form, strengthening the team for future competitions.
In summary, while Fiji’s World Cup aspirations face a hurdle without their captain, the spirit of teamwork and resilience within the squad can lead them towards success in their upcoming matches.
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