The Fiji national football team, coached by Ashif Khan, has made a commendable start in the premier division points table of the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, held at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. Currently in second place, Fiji has accumulated four points after two matches, following a 2-0 victory against Australia and a 0-0 draw with the USA. They trail behind New Zealand, the current leaders, who have secured six points from two consecutive wins.
Khan highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament, praising the outstanding performances of all participating teams. He noted that despite limited training time, the Fiji squad’s experience played a crucial role. “The priority is defense, and we’ll focus on offense later,” Khan explained, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in executing their game plan. He acknowledged the leadership contributions of players like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine, expressing hope that his team can maintain their performance level, particularly against tactically strong opponents like Australia.
In another noteworthy match, Fiji’s Under-17 team held New Zealand to a goalless draw in their debut encounter in the inaugural U17 clash. Meanwhile, Canada’s Masters Teams showcased impressive performances on the first day of the tournament. The Masters 40 team, coached by Mohammed Imtiaz, delivered a decisive 3-0 win over the USA, while Canada Legends 50, the defending champions, dominated Fiji with strikers like Lewis Oladuntoye, who scored four goals.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf praised the tournament’s successful kickoff, reinforcing the positive atmosphere surrounding this year’s competition.
This championship not only highlights the talent and dedication of the teams involved but also fosters unity and sportsmanship among nations. As Fiji continues its campaign, fans are hopeful of a strong showing reflecting the team’s resilience and unity on the field.
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