The Fiji national football team, under the guidance of head coach Ashif Khan, currently holds the second position in the premier division standings of the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, taking place at Churchill Park in Lautoka. In their first two matches, Fiji, the defending champions, started strong by defeating Australia with a score of 2-0, followed by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the USA. They have accumulated four points, trailing behind New Zealand, who leads the chart with six points from two victories.
Coach Khan acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament, stating that the quality of football displayed by various teams has been impressive. He emphasized the importance of experience for the Fiji squad, noting that they had limited training time together before the tournament. “I told the boys that experience will count,” he mentioned, highlighting the team’s focus on defensive strategies while planning for effective offensive plays when necessary. He praised the players for adhering to their game plan and expressed his admiration for team leaders like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid, and William Valentine.
Looking ahead, Khan hopes the team can maintain their performance level, particularly against challenging opponents like Australia, who are expected to come with a strong tactical approach.
In other tournament action, the Fiji Under-17 team also kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in their opening match. On a broader note, Canada’s Masters teams showcased their prowess on the first day, with the Masters 40 team achieving a notable 3-0 victory over the USA, while Canada Legends 50, the reigning champions, demonstrated their strength by defeating Fiji with an impressive four goals from striker Lewis Oladuntoye.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf declared the tournament’s start as successful, hinting towards an exciting competition ahead.
This tournament marks not only an opportunity for showcasing talent but also for fostering camaraderie among nations through football, inspiring hope for future collaborations and shared experiences among the participating teams.
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