Defending champions Fiji is on track to retain the Masters (Over 35) category title during the Digicel FANCA Muslim World Cup which started at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.

The Afzal Khan-captained side walloped Australia 3-0 in their opening match.

The goals came from Mohammed Saiyaz, Aiyaz Hussein and Afzal Khan.

In the other match, USA defeated New Zealand 4-2 in another exciting encounter.

USA’s Mohammed Khaiyum and Imraan Ali both scored twice  while NZ’s goal came from Abdul Rafiz and Lawrence Ahmed.

FANCA Federation president Mohammed Yusuf said the objective of the Digicel FANCA tournament (bi-annual) is to bring Fijians from around the world.

“This is an opportunity to bring our people back home every two years so they can reunite,”he said.

“The FANCA family thanked the sponsors for coming on board.

“Tournament of this magnitude cost a lot, Canada spent almost $0.5m to bring three teams, family, and supporters across. If not all but 95% of them have flown Fiji Airways.

He added Team USA raised $12,000 and will be distributed to those affected by Tropical  Cyclone Winston.

The 2018 edition returns to Canada as host on August 23 -30 in Vancouver.

The 2020 edition will be held in Auckland, NZ and Fiji to host in 2022  to coincide with the 25th anniversary.

Digicel Fiji CEO Darren McLean was proud to  support the event.

“We are proud to partner with the Fiji Muslim League and its carnival committee for this religious event,” he said.

“This is the 10th FANCA football tournament and this biennial tournament brings together Muslims in Fiji and those living abroad. You have shown great spirit and enthusiasm to be in Nadi for this auspicious event.”

Whats on Today?

11am: New Zealand – Canada (Over 40) 12.45pm: N Z- Canada (Main); 2: Fiji – Australia (Over 40); 3.15 Australia – NZ (Over 35); 4.30 Fiji – Canada (Over 35) 6.45 USA – Australia (main); 8 Fiji – Canada (main).