Fiji U16 Head Coach Sunil Kumar and his team experienced a surge of emotion as they achieved an unexpected qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Tahiti. In a thrilling match held on Tahitian soil, the Fijian squad emerged victorious against Tahiti with a score of 2-1, thanks to a standout performance by Veleni Rasorewa, who netted both goals.
Kumar praised the collective efforts of his entire team while recognizing Rasorewa’s contribution as the man of the match. “Everyone played their roles, from the goalkeeper to the strikers. That’s how we achieved the two goals; Veleni Rasorewa was named man of the match, but it was a team effort,” he stated.
Reflecting on their earlier defeat to New Zealand during the pool stages, Kumar shared how he motivated his players to confront their rivals with renewed determination. “When we lost to New Zealand in the pool game, I challenged the boys to face them head-on again. Now, in the final, we will refocus and prepare to counter New Zealand,” the coach emphasized.
As the team gears up for the final, they remain committed to sustaining their momentum and rising to the challenge against New Zealand once more.