Australia created history when it won the FANCA Muslim World Cup title for the first time after beating Fiji 1-0 in extra time of the main final at the Marconi Oval in Sydney on Sunday.
As expected the final lived up to expectation with teams displaying constructive and attacking football against each other.
The hosts who had earlier lost to the Fijians 0-2 in their tournament opener looked a completely different side in the final and had played with full backing of the local crowd.
Striker Ahmed Kawbara nailed the winner in the 5th minute of extra spell after getting a neat cross from hardworking midfielder Esala Ali who walked away with the golden boot after becoming the tournament’s top scorer.
Kawbara was named the player of the tournament while goalkeeper Ali Cem Akbal won the best goalkeeper award.
Fiji was awarded with the best disciplined team trophy.
Team manager Mohammed Shariff Khan was on cloud nine after the victory and said the win was a sweet revenge against the Fijians who beat Australia in its opening match.
“After our first loss, we weren’t given many chances in the tournament but through the experience and guidance of our goalkeeper Ali Cem Akbal, the team went in completely changed on day two and continued its fine form till the final, he said.
“It’s an historic occasion for us and we will celebrate this win in a big way.
Fiji manager Mohammed Sareem congratulated the hosts for their win and said his team played their best and lost to a better side in the final.
“I am satisfied with our performance as the players maintained their consistency all through out the tournament despite facing minor hiccups coming into this tournament.
Fiji beat Canada 1-0 in its final decider through a Kamal Hassan goal while Australia thumped America 4-1.
Australia also scooped the Veterans title after beating New Zealand 1-0 in the final while New Zealand won the U21 final defeating Fiji 1-0 through a goal in extra spell.
News on
RSS 
