The Fiji national team, expertly led by coach Ashif Khan, is currently positioned second in the premier division rankings at the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, held at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. After competing in two matches, the defending champions secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Australia on the first day and managed to hold the USA to a 0-0 draw. This places Fiji at four points, trailing behind New Zealand, which leads with six points from two wins.
Coach Khan emphasized the high level of competition, noting that the teams showcase skilled football. He remarked on the wealth of experience within the Fiji squad despite limited training time, expressing confidence that their prior exposure would play a crucial role in their performance. “The priority is defence, and attack will come in the end,” Khan stated, highlighting the team’s cooperative approach to their game plan. He also acknowledged the strong leadership in the team, including players like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine, showcasing his appreciation for their commitment on the field.
In other tournament highlights, the Fiji Under-17 team opened their campaign with a draw against New Zealand, ending 0-0. On the Masters side, Canada’s teams made a powerful entrance, with the Masters 40 team, coached by Mohammed Imtiaz, decisively defeating the USA 3-0. The Canada Legends 50, the current champions, demonstrated their prowess by overpowering Fiji, primarily thanks to striker Lewis Oladuntoye’s impressive four-goal performance.
According to FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf, the tournament commenced successfully, marking the beginning of another exciting chapter in the championship.
This tournament not only reflects the spirit of competitive sportsmanship but also highlights the efforts and dedication of all teams involved. As the championship progresses, there’s optimism that teams will continue to elevate their game and produce memorable performances for fans around the world.
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