The Fiji national football team, coached by Ashif Khan, currently sits in second place in the premier division standings after competing in two matches at the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024 held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The defending champions started strong, securing a 2-0 victory over Australia on their opening day and then held the USA to a goalless draw. With four points in total, Fiji trails behind New Zealand, who leads the table with six points from two wins.
Coach Khan acknowledged the high level of competition, stating that teams displayed exceptional football skills. He emphasized the importance of experience within the Fiji squad and noted that their limited training sessions would benefit from the players’ backgrounds in the sport. “The priority is defence and attack will come in the end,” Khan remarked, highlighting their strategic approach.
The team executed their game plan effectively, demonstrating unity on the field, and Khan praised the leadership shown by players like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine. He expressed hope for continued strong performances, recognizing the tactical prowess of their upcoming opponents, Australia.
In other tournament news, the Fiji Under-17 team managed to draw 0-0 against New Zealand in their first match of the inaugural U17 series. Meanwhile, Canada’s Masters Teams made a remarkable entry on the first day, with the Masters 40 team defeating the USA 3-0 and the defending champions, Canada Legends 50, showcasing their strength against Fiji, driven by striker Lewis Oladuntoye’s impressive four-goal effort.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf remarked that the tournament commenced successfully, positioning it as another significant event in the football calendar.
This championship highlights the spirit of competition and collaboration among diverse teams, offering opportunities for players to showcase their abilities and gain valuable experience on an international stage. The events serve to foster sportsmanship and football development within the region.
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