FIJI HOLD OFF NEW CALEDONIA TO SECURE SECOND SPOT

By Nigel MADO

Fiji performed well just emough to off the resilient New Caledonian side to secure the second spot in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers yesterday afternoon, drawing 1 all at full time.

The Fijian Bula Boys were on the front foot for the first, scoring off a penalty through captain Roy Krishna. The New Caledonians though stunned, continued to press the Fijians, who managed to hold on to take the lead in the first half.

Coach Sidaner’s side continued their charge in the second half to secure their first goal through the efforts of Jean Jacques Katrawa, who subbed Captain Cesar Zeoula. Both teams created countless opportunities to score but unsuccessful in capitalizing them.

The full -time whistle blew, with both the New Caledonian side and the Fijian side ending with a 1 all draw.

Following the match, coach Johann Sidaner said the New Caledonian side were expecting a strong performance and had to bring in “fresh blood” that played well with hope in delivering a win in yesterday’s match however they were happy with the draw.

New Caledonia Les Cogous and the Fijian Bula Boys now advance into the quarter finals in their group as Fiji secured the second spot in the Group A standings.