Fijian U19 Books Playoff Spot
The Digicel national football Under-19 side came second in Group C to book a spot in the OFC U19 playoffs next Monday.
The Roni Lal-coached side held hosts Tahiti 0-0 in their clash on Thursday night at the Stade Pater in Papeete.
Tahiti tops Group B on goal difference while Fiji also advances into the final eight as runners-up.
Fiji U19 captain Samuela Navoce said their aim was to do their best.
“We knew Tahiti was playing in front of their home crowd but we were not worried because we focused on our own game plan that was set-up by our coaches,” Navoce told Fiji FA Media.
“I urge everyone back home to remember us in their prayers and support us in any way they can.”
He said they were aware of the importance of the match as it sets the platform for the playoffs.
The last time the two sides met in this competition was also in Papeete back in 2008.
On that occasion, Tahiti won 2-0 to spark celebrations as they secured their second title but there was little to rejoice after the first 45 minutes.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in a physical and occasionally tetchy opening period with the best opportunities coming from dead-balls, none of which truly tested either goalkeeper.
With both teams already into the quarter-finals after being awarded wins against Papua New Guinea and beating Tonga the second-half struggled to spark into life, with neither side willing to push for a winner.
Ba striker Nabil Begg’s blocked shot was the only chance of note in the second period as the game drifted to a stalemate.
The result means Tahiti win Group B on goal difference and they will face either the Cook Islands or Vanuatu in the quarter-finals. Fiji will face Samoa, with both games taking place on Monday.
IDC draws today
The Courts Interdistrict Championship (IDC) group draws will take place at 10am today at the Court Samabula Store.
This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Football Association as the IDC tournament will be from October 5-10 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The 2021 IDC was not played due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
The 2019 and 2020 IDC tournaments was won by Labasa. Dubbed the Babasiga Lions they beat Suva 1-0 in the final to win the IDC 2019 at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.
In 2020, they beat Lautoka 2-1 in the final at the then ANZ Stadium, Suva.