The Fiji national team, coached by Ashif Khan, is currently holding the second position in the premier division of the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, taking place at Churchill Park in Lautoka. In their opening matches, Fiji, the defending champions, secured a 2-0 victory over Australia and followed this with a 0-0 draw against the USA. They have accumulated four points, trailing behind New Zealand, who leads the table with six points from two wins.
Khan expressed that the competition is intense, with many teams demonstrating exemplary football skills. He noted, “Our team has significant experience, even though we didn’t train much together. I emphasized that experience would be critical.” He highlighted the team’s strategy focused on solid defense, stating, “The priority is defense; the attack will come later.”
Khan praised his players for their teamwork and commitment to the game plan, commending leaders like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine. He stated, “They adhered to the plan, and I am proud of their performance. We aim to maintain this level of play, knowing Australia will present tough tactical challenges.”
In addition to the senior team, the Fiji Under-17 side also faced New Zealand, resulting in a 0-0 draw in their inaugural match.
On another note, Canada’s Masters Teams had an impressive start, with the Masters 40 team, coached by Mohammed Imtiaz, defeating the USA 3-0. The defending champions, Canada Legends 50, showed their strength against Fiji, with striker Lewis Oladuntoye scoring four goals.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf remarked on the successful kickoff of the competition, indicating the tournament is on track to be another successful event.
In summary, Fiji is performing well in the championship, showcasing teamwork and experience, while the enthusiasm for this tournament sets a promising tone for future matches. With the spirit of competition high, fans can look forward to more exciting performances from all participating teams.
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