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U-19: Fiji stave off late City comeback

Words: ACFC Media

Wednesday 24 August 2022

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Fiji U-19 has defeated Auckland City FC U-19 4-3 in an entertaining prestige friendly match at the Croatian Cultural Society tonight.

The Fijians raced into a commanding 4-0 lead in a match played under lights only for City to rally and score the next three goals via a double by Stipe Ukich and one by Will Eng. 

Coach Kris Bright said the exercise proved a worthwhile one for his team as they got to grips with an international standard age group opponent.

"The players got a shock in the first 30 minutes - Fiji U-19 were very different to the teams we play locally.

"Fiji U-19 gave high energy in a high press and they were bigger, stronger and faster than what we're used to and we simply couldn't handle that.

"It took us that initial 30 minutes to come to terms with what Fiji U-19 brought to the table but by that stage we were already 4-0 down.

"In the second half we made some changes and we really were fantastic. The team adapted to the conditions and our opponents and we grew into the game.

"Had the game gone on longer perhaps we might've scored another goal.

"I'm very happy our players got this experience and we're very grateful to Fiji U-19 for providing us with a tough game.

They also have a lot of talent in their ranks and are only going to get better," Bright said.

Others to stand out for City included Ilham Hameedi, Adam Bell, who played as a central defender, and Ukich.

Ends

Match Result
Prestige Friendly
Wednesday 24 August 2022
Auckland City FC U-19 3
Fiji U-19 4
HT: 0-4.

AC: 1. Finn DOCKERTY (GK), 2. Riley SEXTON, 3. Marcel STODDARD, 4. Adam BELL, 5. Oscar DUFFY, 6. Ilham HAMEEDI, 7 Rayan TAYEB, 8. Ethan FOO, 9. Finn McCRACKEN, 10. Will ENG, 11. Stipe UKICH.

SUBS FROM: 12. Anthony DUNCAN, 13. Woodie WILSON, 14. Jeremy FOO, 15. Luke ROBB, 16. Max SUTTON.

COACH: Kris BRIGHT.
ASSISTANT COACH: Paul DRAKE.

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