The Fiji national team, coached by Ashif Khan, currently holds second place in the premier division standings following their participation in the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, taking place at Lautoka’s Churchill Park. Defending champions Fiji secured a 2-0 victory over Australia on the first day of the tournament and managed a 0-0 draw against the USA in their second match. With a total of four points, Fiji trails behind New Zealand, who leads the table with six points from two wins.
Khan acknowledged the challenging nature of the competition, highlighting the high skill levels exhibited by various teams. He pointed out the extensive experience within the Fiji squad, stressing that their teamwork and adherence to the game plan were crucial to their performances. Khan praised his players, especially leaders Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine, and maintained that their focus has been on solid defense, which he believes will allow their attacking play to flourish in due time. Looking ahead, Khan expressed confidence in their ability to compete rigorously, noting the tactical strengths of their opponents, especially Australia.
In the Under-17 division, Fiji faced New Zealand in their opening match, which ended in a scoreless draw. Meanwhile, Canada’s Masters teams made a strong impression on day one of the tournament. The Masters 40 team, coached by Mohammed Imtiaz, claimed a noteworthy 3-0 victory against the USA, while the Canada Legends 50 team, the defending champions, showcased their prowess against Fiji, with star striker Lewis Oladuntoye scoring four goals.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf expressed his satisfaction with the tournament kickoff, indicating a promising outlook for this event. As the competition progresses, both players and fans hold high hopes for exciting matches and admirable performances.
In summary, Fiji’s second place in the standings and the strong start from both national teams underscore a vibrant spirit in the tournament, suggesting that the championship might bring more thrilling moments ahead.
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