Fiji has advanced to the semifinals of the OFC Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after concluding their Group A campaign with a 1-1 draw against New Caledonia in Papua New Guinea. The match result leaves Fiji in second place in the group with a total of five points, while New Caledonia tops the group with seven points.
The Bula Boys had a strong start to the match, as captain Roy Krishna scored a penalty in injury time of the first half after being fouled in the box. However, New Caledonia fought back in the second half, with Jean-Jacques Katrawa equalizing in the 59th minute thanks to an excellent cross from Abezeier Jeno.
Fiji nearly secured a victory late in the match when substitute Christopher Wasasala’s header struck the post after outmaneuvering the goalkeeper but was cleared by the defense.
Looking ahead, the semifinals are scheduled to take place in New Zealand next year, where Fiji is expected to face the host nation. This performance underlines Fiji’s resilience and potential as they continue their quest for a place in the World Cup.
Overall, this is an encouraging outcome for Fiji as they prepare for the challenges ahead, demonstrating their competitive spirit and determination on the field. With their sights set on the next round, hopes are high that the team can build on this momentum and make a significant impact in the tournament.
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