The Tunisia Under-17 football team delivered a remarkable performance in their opening match of the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, defeating Fiji U17 with an impressive scoreline of 6-0. The match took place early this morning and showcased Tunisia’s superior technical abilities and strategic gameplay, while the young Fijians struggled to keep up.
From the very beginning, Tunisia took control of the match, dominating possession and dictating the pace of play. The first goal arrived just 30 minutes into the game, as Wassim Slama found the net following an assist from Lyes Ghodhbane. Just six minutes later, Firas Tayechi doubled the lead after receiving a setup from Aymen Touati, sending Tunisia into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
After the break, Tunisia continued to exert their dominance on the field. Ranim Achari quickly took advantage of a defensive lapse from Fiji, scoring in the 46th minute. Slama added his second goal in the 53rd minute, increasing Tunisia’s lead to 4-0 and showcasing their offensive prowess.
Tunisia coach Hatem Nafti made impactful substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing on Aymen Saidi, Saif Abdallah, and Mohamed Tlili, who all played key roles in the team’s success. Saidi netted the fifth goal in the 74th minute with assistance from Tayechi. Abdallah soon followed with a goal of his own six minutes later, finishing off a well-coordinated move started by Adem Grira. Tayechi capped off the scoring in the 86th minute with his second goal, sealing the emphatic 6-0 victory for Tunisia.
While Fiji’s U17 team endured a tough loss, they earlier made history by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time after performing exceptionally well in the OFC U-16 Championship. This milestone reflects the growth of football in Fiji and highlights the potential of its young talents on a global stage. Although the defeat was significant, the experience gained from playing against a formidable opponent like Tunisia will be invaluable for the development of these young players as they prepare for future competitions.
This match serves as a reminder of the increasing competitiveness in youth football worldwide, showcasing established teams like Tunisia while also highlighting the determination of emerging teams like Fiji, who are striving to strengthen their presence on the international football scene.