FIJI’S U17 girls’ futsal team will take valuable lessons from its historic debut at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The young side faced hosts Senegal, Ukraine and Venezuela in a challenging group campaign, gaining valuable exposure to international competition.
Fiji finished its campaign with a 6–0 defeat to Venezuela on Friday, Fiji time, following an 8–1 loss to Senegal and a 5–1 defeat to Ukraine.
Despite the results, the team showed glimpses of its potential, particularly in its match against Ukraine.
Kinisimere Botesulu scored from a counter-attack to bring Fiji within a goal at 2–1 at halftime before Ukraine responded with three unanswered goals in the second half.
Akanisi Katonitabua had earlier opened Fiji’s scoring account in the tournament against Senegal.
Head coach José Gerardo said he was proud of the team’s historic achievement in representing Fiji at the Games.
“We are very proud to make history for Fiji women’s futsal,” Gerardo said.
