The Fiji national football team, under the guidance of coach Ashif Khan, currently holds the second position in the premier division of the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, which is taking place at Churchill Park in Lautoka. So far, Fiji, the reigning champions, has recorded a victory against Australia (2-0) on the first day and secured a goalless draw with the USA. With four points, they trail behind New Zealand, who leads the group with six points from two victories.
Khan praised the competitiveness of the tournament, acknowledging the exceptional performance of various teams. He emphasized the value of experience within the Fiji squad, noting that despite limited training time, the team’s seasoned players made a significant impact. He highlighted the importance of a strong defense, stating that offensive strategies would follow afterward.
The coach commended his players for their teamwork and adherence to the game plan, crediting key leaders such as Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine for their contributions. Khan expressed confidence in the team’s ability to maintain their performance, recognizing the tactical strengths of Australia moving forward.
In the tournament’s U17 category, the Fiji Under-17 team also played their opening match against New Zealand, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, Canada’s Masters teams demonstrated a strong start, with the 40s team coached by Mohammed Imtiaz defeating the USA 3-0 and the 50s team, from which the defending champions emerged, showcasing striker Lewis Oladuntoye’s outstanding four-goal performance against Fiji.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the kickoff of the competition, signaling a successful tournament ahead.
In summary, the Fiji team remains competitive in the tournament, demonstrating resilience and teamwork while looking forward to upcoming challenges with determination. This positivity and strong leadership suggest a bright future not only for Fiji in the tournament but for the development of football on a broader scale in the region.
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