The Junior Bula Boys have missed out on a place in the semi-finals of the OFC Under-19 Men's Championship after losing 2-1 to Tahiti in their final Group B match in Samoa.
Tahiti led 1-0 at half-time and extended its lead to 2-0 in the second half.
Fiji pulled one back through Abdullah Khairati, but Tahiti held on for the win.
Coach Marika Rodu congratulated Tahiti on the victory and said Fiji knew it would be a tough match for both teams.
Rodu says conceding early made the task difficult, but praised his players for continuing to stick together and fight for a way back into the match.
He says the team had bonded well throughout the tournament and developed a strong level of belief.
He says the focus now is on improving and finishing the tournament in a positive manner.
Rodu says some players will be rested, while those who have had limited playing time will be given an opportunity in the team's final match.
He urged fans to continue supporting the team in their football journey.
The Junior Bula Boys are expected to face Papua New Guinea in the fifth-place playoff at 10am on Saturday.
