The Fiji U-20 side drew 2-2 against their hosts Malaysia Under-19 to cap their tour with a second victory after downing Malaysia’s U-23.Returning to the national set-up following his suspension, Rewa striker Iosefo Verevou proved he is committed to the cause, scoring the opener midway through the first half,heading in a Narendra Rao corner.
The Malaysian side levelled the score through a free-kick which deflected off a Fijian defender and landed in goal from just outside the penalty box to end the first half in a 1-1 deadlock.
The Frank Farina coached side returned more organised in the second spell with constructive structure which helped see midfielder Rao score the second goal for his country after connecting well with an advance from the back.
Verevou had the chance to score his second for the night when he beat the entire defence but his final attempt was deflected off the goalkeeper.
A late equaliser saw Malaysia and Fiji ended the game on a 2-2 draw.
Farina says the Asian Tour has been invaluable in the preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“To have five quality international games against very good sides is something that we just couldn’t get in Fiji or Oceania and these sorts of tours are things we need more to improve as a team.
“It shows us just what we need to improve on to bridge the massive gap between Oceania and the rest of the world.”
Farina is pleased by the experience his players have had, and what they have learnt during the tour in Myanmar and Malaysia.
“The skills and technical levels shown by Asian players shows us that we in Fiji and Oceania have a lot of work to do in the development level of young players.
“But I believe the experience of this tour plus others to come and then the world cup will benefit Fiji football for years to come.
“These players will have more international experience than any other players in the history of Fiji football,’’ he says.
The former Australia coach also highlights the positive input the players will have on the U-23 squad for the upcoming Pacific Games.
“For me it is only logical that a large nucleus of this side should take part in the Pacific Games as it is an U-23 tournament.
‘’The preparation and experience they will have gained from the World Cup campaign will be far superior to any other U-23 players in Fiji,’’ he says.
After a successful week on the field, the Fiji U-20 team capped it off with the Team of the Year Award at the Fiji Sports Awards at the weekend.
The award acknowledges the outstanding performance of the team which became the first Fiji football side to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup or any FIFA tournament.
Fiji FA CEO Bob Kumar, on behalf of Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel and the Executive Committee members, thanked Fiji Sports Council, Fiji National Sports Commission and FASANOC for honouring the team.
“I would like to thank them all for honouring us with this outstanding award.
“It is another great moment in the history of our U-20 team.
“Winning the competition last year was an incredible achievement for our players and our coach Ravinesh Kumar,’’ Kumar says.
“Much more, this award recognises the hard work of the entire team. Without the hard work of the entire team, and without the undying support of our fans worldwide and our highly valued business partners, this success would not have been possible.”
Kumar also highlighted the gravity of the team’s feat. “It’s a first time in the history of Fiji football that a team from Fiji has qualified for a FIFA tournament so it’s a big achievement,’’ he says.
Fiji FA has in the past won the Sportsman of the Year Award but has never been rewarded in the Team or Coaches categories.
Former Fiji football national representative and now Fiji FA Development Officer Ronald Ram received the award on behalf of the team which was in Malaysia at that time.
For more on Fiji football visit fijifootball.com.fj.

Share