Young Kulas coach Angeline Chua expressed her admiration for her team’s defensive performance despite their 0-2 loss to Morocco in their final friendly match. The team, sponsored by Digicel Fiji, focused on the positives from the match as they prepare for their opening game in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup against Brazil on September 1.
The Young Kulas successfully maintained a scoreless tie for more than an hour, marking an improvement from their previous match against Costa Rica, where they conceded goals in the first half. Chua noted that the team’s compact defense in the first half was crucial in keeping Morocco at bay.
After central defender Angeline Rekha was removed from the game due to a concussion, other players stepped up, adhering to the defensive strategy. Chua emphasized that the team’s ability to hold the score at nil-all for a significant time, despite the loss of Rekha, was indicative of their progress.
However, the team’s fitness and mental resilience were challenged in the second half, leading to a drop in performance that allowed Morocco to score. Chua acknowledged that the quick turnaround with less than two days to recover made it a challenging lesson, but one that the team will learn from as they look forward to the World Cup.
The Young Kulas are now turning their attention to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where they will compete against formidable teams. Chua confirmed that the team will continue to prioritize defensive strategies while also seeking opportunities to score, aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament. Fiji is positioned in Group B alongside Brazil, France, and Canada.