New Zealand-based Mohammed Nabeel will soon fulfill his dream of representing the national football team.

He put on a man-of-the-match performance for Auckland All-Stars when they retained the Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup at Churchill Park in Lau-toka yesterday.

The Ba born midfielder was part of the star-studded side that defeated Manukau All Stars 2-0 in the final.

The goals came from the boots of Eber Ramirez and Nicolas Bodadilla.

He was later named the Best Player of the tournament.

Nabeel said he has been called up to fea-ture for Fiji in the President’s Cup to be played in the Solomon Islands, later this month.

“I did not expect the award but I’m thankful to the team,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the competition in the Solomon Islands especially in donning the white jumper. It has been my dream since 2022 when I left for New Zealand.”

Auckland had the services of veteran goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara, Andrew Naicker, Abbu Zahid, Munit Krishna, James Hoyt, Malakai Rakula, Gabriele Matanisiga, Samuela Drudru and Nabeel.

Manukau fielded the likes of Coleb Prasad, Mosese Nabose, Sandip Singh, Ethan Smith, Dhanush Chandra, Franc-es Catarogo, Aaron and Ryan Singh,

Auckland All-Stars were $10,000 richer while Manukau settled for $3000.

In the semi-finals, hosts Lautoka lost to Auckland All-Stars 2-0 while Manukau beat USA All-Stars 2-0.

Other Winners

„ Fair Play Award: AUFFI All-Stars,
„ Golden Boot Award: Garbhan Coughlan (6 goals),
„ Golden Gloves: Benamino Mateniqara (Auckland All Stars),
„ Best Manager: Shaneel Prasad
(Auckland All-Stars),
„ Golden Ball Award: Mohammed Nabil (Auckland All-Stars).

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