Fiji’s Under-16 football coach, Sunil Kumar, emphasizes the importance of teamwork as they prepare to face their opponent in the OFC U16 Championship semifinal. The Fijian team secured their semifinal berth with a comeback victory against Vanuatu, winning 3-2 in Papeete, Tahiti. Fiji finished second in Group A behind New Zealand.
Kumar acknowledged that Vanuatu came into the match with no pressure, stating, “I’ll take the result but we’ve to lift our performance. We came with the mindset to win.” They are waiting to find out who they will face in the semifinals based on the results from Group B, and Kumar highlighted the need to improve key aspects of their game, particularly the need to secure the second ball and maintain defensive organization.
Striker Rishal Shankar played a pivotal role in the match, scoring a spectacular free-kick goal and assisting Veleni Rasorewa, who scored the winning header. According to the OFC, the semifinalists have two opportunities to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar next year, with the top two teams in the tournament and the winner of the third and fourth place playoff earning spots.
Vanuatu needed a stunning performance to overcome Fiji, aiming to win by at least six goals to advance. They got off to a strong start and almost scored early on, but Fiji gradually took control. Fiji’s equalizer came from a mix-up in Vanuatu’s defense that allowed the ball to find its way into their net.
Fiji regained the lead before halftime with Shankar’s impressive free kick, and although Jefpta Taravaki equalized for Vanuatu in the second half, Fiji pressed on for the win. The decisive moment arrived ten minutes before the final whistle when Rasorewa converted another cross from Shankar, giving Fiji a crucial victory.