Fiji’s dream of reaching the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time will be on the line tomorrow when the Mini Kulas face New Caledonia in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship semi-final.
Head coach Nicola Demaine says the team is focused on the first 45 minutes and not what is at stake.
Demaine says for most of the players, this will be the biggest match of their lives so far and keeping their composure and sticking to their tactics will be important.
She says New Caledonia are technically strong, particularly with their first touch and short passing, but believes Fiji has some physical advantages.
The Mini Kulas reached the semi-finals after finishing second in Group A, following wins over the Cook Islands and Solomon Islands and a narrow 1-0 loss to New Zealand.
New Caledonia, meanwhile, topped Group B with three wins from three matches.
Fiji will face New Caledonia tomorrow at 8pm at the National Stadium in Honiara.
In the other semi-final, defending champions New Zealand will face Papua New Guinea at 5pm tomorrow at the National Stadium in Honiara.
The final will be played at 8pm on Saturday.
The two finalists will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027.
Source: Oceania Football Confederation
