Fiji has secured the final qualifying spot for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar by defeating Papua New Guinea 1-0 in the third-place play-off of the OFC U16 Men’s Championship 2025.
Ryan Achari scored the crucial goal before halftime, giving the Junior Bula Boys a 1-0 lead at the break, and ensuring their victory in this vital match.
The win marks a historic back-to-back qualification for Fiji at the global tournament, underlining the nation’s growing presence in youth football.
Head coach Sunil Kumar expressed immense pride in his team's performance.
He acknowledged that PNG was a strong opponent but praised his players for holding on until the very last minute.
Kumar says the achievement means a lot to both the staff and the team, and he is incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
He also highlighted that the World Cup is a major platform, and the boys are eager and excited for the challenge ahead.
He adds that their early goal set a solid foundation for the game, contributing significantly to their victory.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will face New Caledonia at 6 tonight in the final.
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