13 January, 2026, 4:17 am Central - 22°C Rain

Fiji face PNG in crucial third-place playoff in OFC U16 Championship

Fiji face PNG in crucial third-place playoff in OFC U16 Championship

By Priya Nand
30/08/2025

The Junior Bula Boys are gearing up for a high-pressure third-place playoff against Papua New Guinea in the OFC U16 Championship — a crucial clash that will decide who claims the final qualifying spot for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.

Fiji has impressed throughout the tournament, going unbeaten in the group stage with a 2-1 win over Tahiti, a 2-0 victory against Papua New Guinea, and a commanding 5-0 result over the Cook Islands.

In the semi-final, Fiji played bravely against New Caledonia, with the match ending 1-all and after extra time, they lost 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

Coach Sunil Kumar stressed the importance of composure, saying this is where it counts most, and the team needs to regroup, stay composed, and finish strong.

The third place playoff kicks off at 2:30pm at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will face New Caledonia in the final at 6pm.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
New parents go through major ordeal at CWM without clear answers on baby's health
A father of a new born baby is raising serious concerns about the poor services at the CWM Hospital and the lack of information coming through regardi...
11 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
One of the strongest advocates against drugs, Reverend Simione Tugi passes away
One of the country’s strongest advocates against drugs, Reverend Simione Tugi has passed away.He was the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical ...
5 hours ago

Flash Flood and Heavy Rain Warning for Fiji
A Flash Flood and Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for Fiji. The Nadi Weather Office says a trough of low pressure with associated cloud, ...
7 hours ago

Some roads in the North and West Division flooded
Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the following roads and crossings are flooded and not accessible in the Northern and Western Division, Banikea ...
10 hours ago

Flash Flood Alert and Heavy Rain Warning in force for Fiji
A Flash Flood Alert and a Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for Fiji.The Nadi Weather Office says a trough of low pressure lies slow moving over ...
11 hours ago

Balawa, Lautoka community install CCTV cameras for safer neighbourhood
The Balawa community in Lautoka has installed five CCTV cameras after raising funds, aiming to improve the safety of families in the ...
11 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
10 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
22 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
22 days ago

TOP