The players observed a day of rest in UAE and met with FIFA officials to complete the competition formalities before their attention turns to the play-off match with hosts Al Wahda on Wednesday night (local time).
Coach Tommy Mana was happy with the preparation camp in Doha and used it as an opportunity to settle the players before they enter the spotlight at the world tournament.
“We were privileged to be able to access the world-class facilities at the Aspire Academy which proved ideal to adjust our body clocks and acclimatise,” he says. “The heat in the Middle East is similar to home but the temperature drops when the sun disappears which we are getting used to.”
Mana was able to fine tune his squad out of the media spotlight and give his charges a last hit-out before the all-important match with Al Wahda, accounting for Qatar Armed Forces 2-0 in a friendly match.
“On the pitch things have gone to plan with no injury concerns and we were able to continue our six-match winning streak with a win over Qatari opposition. That gave us an experience of playing a team from this part of the world.”
Kema Jack and Malakai Tiwa found the back of the net in the first half against the military side as Hekari cruised to victory with little difficulty.
Solomon Islands wide-man Henry Fa’arodo continued his good form with an impressive display, setting up the opening goal in the 12th minute with a driven cross from a free-kick that was powered home by an unmarked Jack in the six-yard box.
Tiwa extended the lead from another free-kick, this time with help from fellow Fijian Osea Vakatalesau. The big targetman should have extended Hekari’s lead minutes later after a mazy run but could not get his shot away or play in the unmarked Fa’arodo.
At the other end, Alvin Singh and Gideon Omokirio looked composed in front of goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau, who is yet to concede a goal since transferring from Fijian club Rewa in November.
The match lost its shape in the second half with Mana ringing the changes to give match fitness to a number of players and test new combinations. The opposition also reinforced their side in the second spell with several players from outside the Armed Forces squad entering the play.
There was reason for distraction however, as the match was played on the same evening that FIFA announced the Middle East country would host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a fact that was not lost on the team, particularly manageress Vonnie Eteaki Kapi Natto.
“We were warming up on the pitch when it was announced that the World Cup would be hosted by Qatar in 2022,” she says. “The whole country erupted in celebration which was humbling for our boys to experience. It was a blessing for us to be welcomed so warmly by Aspire Academy and truly amazing to be there for the announcement.”
But, despite the exhilaration of the World Cup celebrations and the joy of the friendly win, the Hekari players must quickly refocus on the match of their lives which will take place in just two days’ time.