Fiji has advanced to the semifinals of the OFC Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 1-1 draw against New Caledonia in their final Group A match in Papua New Guinea. This result allows Fiji to secure a second-place finish in the group with five points while New Caledonia wraps up the group in first place with seven points.
The Bula Boys headed into the match with aspirations of topping the group. Captain Roy Krishna successfully converted a penalty just before halftime, putting Fiji in the lead after a foul against him. However, New Caledonia rallied in the second half, and Jean-Jacques Katrawa equalized in the 59th minute with a well-executed play initiated by Abezeier Jeno.
In a nail-biting finish, Fiji’s substitute Christopher Wasasala nearly clinched a victory in injury time, but his header struck the post and was cleared by New Caledonia’s defense, leaving the match at a draw.
The upcoming semifinals will take place in New Zealand next year, where Fiji is expected to face the home nation, providing them with a significant opportunity to continue their World Cup journey.
This positive outcome reflects the determination and resilience of the Fijian team, highlighting their progress in international football. With a dedicated coaching staff and talented players, Fiji’s prospects in the semifinals look promising.
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