FIJI’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Under-20 World Cup have ended after a 2-1 loss to Tahiti, but midfielder Nicholas Franklin says the team will continue to fight until the end of its campaign.
Franklin said Fiji started the match well and had control of the game early but struggled to maintain its momentum as Tahiti took charge.
“It was a tough one. Tahiti played really well,” Franklin said.
“At the start we had control of the game, but we sort of lost it throughout, and that was a big decider for us.”
Despite the disappointment, Franklin praised his teammates for their effort throughout the match.
“The boys fought to the last minute, which is all that matters for us – to be at the end and fight to the end,” he said.
Franklin acknowledged that Tahiti were the better side on the day but said there was no time to dwell on the defeat with one match remaining.
He said the players would lift their heads and remain focused on representing Fiji.
“We’re still playing for our country. We still want to do us proud, so to the end we’ll fight and hopefully give them a good result the next time,” Franklin said.
Fiji’s World Cup qualification hopes are now over, but Franklin said the team would look to finish the campaign on a positive note.
He also apologised to supporters back home for the result and promised the players would continue fighting for a win in their final match.
