Krishna braces for tough challenge

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Wellington Pheonix Football player and Fiji rep Roy Krishna with his wife Naziah Ali at the Nadi Airport arrivals. Picture: ZANZEER SINGH

VODAFONE Fiji football striker and New Zealand-based Roy Krishna is in the country after helping his Wellington Phoenix Club beat Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League in New Zealand on Sunday.

The Labasa-born star expects a tough challenge against Mauritius in the Three Nations FIFA international friendly at Churchill Park in Lautoka this Sunday. Krishna arrived in the country last night before Fiji plays New Caledonia at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

He made global media headlines on Sunday after an emotional tribute to the victims of the Christchurch shooting after scoring his team’s opening goal in the 12th minute against Wanderers. Phoenix won 3-1.

The 31 year old pointed his hands to the sky before dropping to his knees in prayer.

Krishna, who is married to Miss India Fiji 2009 winner Naziah Ali tweeted before the fixture “Probably one of the most difficult days for us to take on the field while we know that our fellow countrymen (including those like me who came from my homeland Fiji to NZ) are dealing with the horrific events of the Christchurch attack. Our hearts are with you. We are one.”

“It is sad to see something like that happen especially in New Zealand which is like my home,” Krishna said while arriving at the Nadi International Airport last night.

“To see so many innocent people going through this, it is just sad.”

He was sent off after copping a second yellow card late in the fixture, however this will not affect his availability for the match against Mauritius.

“I’m happy with the result on Sunday. I got the red card, but that is a learning curve for me. We have a very young squad. There are many new faces so it will be a challenge.

“I have watched videos of Mauritius’ games. They have pace up front with some tall players. But it will all come down to the game day as it will be 11 on 11.”

Fiji will play Mauritius at 3pm on Sunday.

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