Striker Ruisate Matarerega opened the scoring for the young side followed by midfielder Junior Narendra Rao, while Amicale’s goal came through an early second half penalty converted by Alick Maemae.
Fiji Football Association national coaching director Juan Carlos Buzzeti says the performance was a huge boost to the team’s confidence ahead of next week’s tournament.
“We are pleased with this outing against Amicale. However, if we had lost we would still be proud of the exposure from playing an experienced outfit,” he says.
“Now the next step will be to focus on the task with our final squad of 20 players. The team will play their last friendly match against Lautoka this Sunday and that will wrap up our preparations.”
This early success has impressed two of Fiji’s footballing stalwarts who have backed the young side to go all the way at the upcoming OFC U-20 Championship in which they will face tough competition from New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
Former national U-20 coach Gurjit Singh says from what he has seen the team has what it takes to qualify for its first FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“The team has prepared really well for the play-offs and has played a number of build-up matches against district teams and this has helped the players get exposure ahead of the tournament,” Singh says.
“They will all be playing their hearts out for the nation as this chance and opportunity will come around just once in a lifetime. They are carrying the hopes of their families, friends and the whole country, who are all banking on the team to make them proud.”
Fiji FA technical director Farouk Janeman also believes the side is on track to pose a significant threat for the title.
“The team is actively involved in training and the boys are looking forward to the tournament,” Janeman says.
“New Zealand will surely be the toughest team in the competition, but our boys will step up to that challenge. We don’t know the strength or the capabilities of the other teams, but one thing I know is that every one of them will be coming for the win.”
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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