Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Fiji will take to the field at this year’s OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2024 with the unexpected advantage of being co-hosts.
With Vanuatu unable to host both groups in the tournament due to the unforeseen issues with national airline Air Vanuatu, Fiji ably stepped in and will host all Group B matches at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Head Coach Rob Sherman’s side were already a strong contender but will surely now head into their campaign with added confidence knowing they’ll be backed by a partisan home crowd.
The squad that Sherman has selected includes a number of players who were part of the team that reached the final of the Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Auckland late last year, as well as some who were part of last month’s OFC Men’s Champions League 2024 in Tahiti.
36-year-old Odisha FC forward Roy Krishna has also been selected and will be looking to add to his impressive record of 52 caps and 36 goals at international level.
Fiji’s historic strength in Oceania football is not something that Sherman will be placing too much emphasis on as his side prepare for their opening match against Papua New Guinea on June 16th.
“I don’t put too much on past performances. The game is constantly evolving and nations that were once weak have improved so I take every opponent on their current form and style of play,” Sherman said.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity. Gaining FIFA ranking points is crucial and impacts on the World Cup qualification grouping, so every game presents an opportunity for points and progress within the tournament,” he continued.
The squad is a blend of youth and experience, with the likes of Krishna complimented with emerging talent such as Nabil Begg and Brendan McMullen. Despite a strong pool of talent to pick from, Sherman wouldn’t be drawn on shining a spotlight on any one individual.
“I won’t single out any one player as each one has a role to fulfill and often we overlook the ones who undertake their role with little fuss or panache but are hugely effective.
“I’m more interested to see if our style of play is becoming embedded and refined with players finding the opportunity to bring their A-game to the fore.”
Following their opener against Papua New Guinea, Fiji will then face Samoa on June 19th, before finishing their group stage assignment against Tahiti on June 22nd.
Fiji squad for the OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2024
Goalkeepers
Aydin Mustahib
Joji Vuakaca
Isikeli Sevanaia
Defenders
Gabierieli Matanisigia
Lekima Gonerau
Atonio Tuivina
Filipe Baravilala
Sterling Vasconcellos
Scott Wara
Ivan Kumar
Midfielders
Setareki Hughes
Tevita Warainivalu
Sitiveni Cavuilagi
Nabil Begg
Merill Nand
Brendan McMullen
Thomas Dunn
Mohammed Raheem
Mosese Nabose
Forwards
Roy Krishna
Rusiate Matarerega
Etonio Dogalau
Sairusi Nalaubu