The Fiji national football team, under the guidance of coach Ashif Khan, currently holds the second position in the points table of the premier division at the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, taking place at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. As the defending champions, Fiji began the tournament strong with a 2-0 victory over Australia on the first day, followed by a scoreless draw against the United States, bringing them to a total of four points, trailing behind New Zealand, who leads with six points from two wins.
Khan noted the high level of competition, expressing his admiration for the teams’ performances. “We had all the experience in the Fiji team, and although we hardly trained as a unit, I emphasized to the boys that experience would play a crucial role,” he stated. The focus, according to Khan, is on defense before transitioning into offense. He praised the players for adhering to the game plan, commending outstanding leaders on the team, including Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine.
As Fiji looks ahead, they are aware of the tactical strengths that Australia will bring as they continue their campaign.
In other tournament news, the Fiji Under-17 team held New Zealand to a 0-0 draw in their first match of the inaugural U17 clash. In the Masters division, Canada’s Masters Teams made a noteworthy entrance, with the Masters 40 team defeating the USA 3-0 and the defending champions Canada Legends 50 demonstrating their skill with a significant win over Fiji, bolstered by striker Lewis Oladuntoye’s impressive four-goal performance.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf commented positively on the tournament’s kickoff, indicating a promising and successful event ahead.
Overall, the tournament illustrates strong performances from all participating teams, showcasing the vibrant spirit of competitive football and fostering international camaraderie amongst players. Teams like Fiji are not only representing their nations but are also building a platform for youth and masters-level competitions in the sport, which bodes well for the future of football in the region.
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