Beaten in their opening match 1-0 by Vanuatu, New Caledonia must now win its next game with Fiji or face the prospect of missing out on the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand next year.
But Fiji coach Ravinesh Kumar remains extremely wary of a New Caledonia targeting victory to stay in contention for the title and a FIFA U-20 World Cup spot.
“New Caledonia will be a very tough team to beat and we respect them by all means. Their opening loss to Vanuatu will make them eager to upset Fiji to get their campaign back on track in the OFC U-20 Championship and we must be prepared for them,” he says.
Hosts Fiji currently leads the overall standings following a 4-0 victory over American Samoa on Friday. Another win would provide Kumar’s team with the perfect launchpad to take out the championship for the first time in Fiji’s history.
However, after a goalless second half performance against the team from Pago Pago, Kumar says his backroom team will leave nothing to chance for Sunday’s pivotal match.
“Hopefully we can get a positive result at the end of the day. We have analyzed the match against American Samoa and mapped out a plan for New Caledonia who no doubt will test us in various areas of the game.
“But we are taking a positive approach. Like any other team we are aiming for a victory in the OFC U-20 Championship and the result of our next game will no doubt shape up the outcome of our campaign,” he says.
Fiji has only lost once previously to New Caledonia at this level having won the other five encounters, the first a 4-3 victory some 34 years ago.
Fiji defeated New Caledonia 3-2 in last year’s OFC U-20 Championship.
While Fiji’s campaign evolves on the pitch, there have been key developments off it.
Taranesh Reddy, the Fiji U-20 team director says Fiji Football Association has promised a significant financial reward if they are able to become the first Fijian side to qualify for a FIFA world event.
“I would not like to disclose the amount just yet but Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel has assured us that there will be a financial windfall lined up for the U-20 national side if they excel.
“The team management as well as Fiji FA knows that we will not get a better chance than this to play at a FIFA World Cup ,” Reddy says.
“I would like to urge the general public to come out and support the Fiji U-20 team. This is a historic championship for Fiji and we would like everyone to be part of this journey.”
The Fiji side had a short recovery session today as they prepare for the game with no injury concerns.
Antonio Tuivuna is on one caution while New Caledonian duo Raphaël Oiremoin and Mickael Partodikromo are also walking a suspension tightrope.
Fiji’s third match of the competition is on Tuesday when they meet Papua New Guinea.
New Caledonia clash with Solomon Islands on the same day.

Share