“We played as a team which was our game plan. They stuck to the plan and hats off to the boys. I have great leaders like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid and William Valentine.
New Zealand Masters football team. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
The Ashif Khan-coached Fiji side is in second spot of the premier division points table after two matches in the Tebara Nations Muslim World Cup Championship 2024, at Lautoka’ Churchill Park.
Fiji, the defending champions beat Australia 2-0 on day one and then drew 0-0 with USA. Fiji has four points behind leaders New Zealand who has six points from two wins.
Khan said competition was tough as teams played great football.
“We had all the experience in the Fiji team, hardly trained as a team I told the boys that experience will count,” he said.
“The priority is defence and attack will come in the end.
“We played as a team which was our game plan. They stuck to the plan and hats off to the boys. I have great leaders like Zibraaz Sahib, Abbu Zahid and William Valentine.
“We hope to continue to perform in such a way. We know that Australia will be strong in tactical play.”
The Fiji Under-17 side drew 0-0 with New Zealand in their opening clash of the inaugural U17 clash.
Canada’s Masters Teams get off to an impressive start on day one.
The Masters 40, a side coached by Mohammed Imtiaz hammered neigbours USA 3-0 while Canada Legends 50, the defending champions, asserted their dominance over Fiji, thanks to striker Lewis Oladuntoye’s remarkable four-goal contribution.
FANCA president Mohammed Yusuf said the competition kicked off well marking another successful tournament on the way.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
