Illustration of Fiji chases FANCA glory

Fiji’s Football Battle: Can They Keep the Momentum in the Championship?

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The Fiji team, under the guidance of Coach Ashif Khan, currently occupies the second position in the Premier Division standings of the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, taking place at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. The defending champions achieved a solid start to the tournament, securing a 2-0 victory against Australia on their first day and earning a goalless draw with the USA in their second match. With four points, Fiji trails the leaders, New Zealand, who have amassed six points from two victories.

Coach Khan acknowledged the intense competition, praising the quality of football displayed by all teams. He emphasized the significance of experience within the Fiji squad, highlighting that they had limited team training before the tournament. “Experience will count,” he remarked, indicating that their seasoned players are poised to make an impact. Khan stressed the importance of a strong defensive strategy while noting that offensive plays will develop over time. He credited his team for sticking to the game plan and praised the leadership of players like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in maintaining their performance, especially with upcoming matches against tactically strong opponents like Australia.

In addition to the premier team, the Fiji Under-17 squad also played their inaugural match against New Zealand, ending in a 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, Canada’s Masters Teams made a strong impression on the first day of the tournament. The Masters 40 team, coached by Mohammed Imtiaz, secured a decisive 3-0 win against the USA, while the defending champions Canada Legends 50 showcased their strength, particularly through striker Lewis Oladuntoye, who netted four goals against Fiji.

The competition has gotten off to a promising start, with FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf noting that the tournament is shaping up to be another successful event.

This tournament not only highlights the skill and determination of the participating teams but also serves as a platform for fostering international camaraderie among players from different nations. As the competition progresses, there are hopes that the spirit of sportsmanship and collaboration will shine through, further enriching the experience for players and fans alike.


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