Photo: Suva FC
Suva FC has described its players as warriors who have learned plenty from their run to the final of the Oceania Champions League in Vanuatu.
The Fijian champions lost 4-2 in extra-time to now 11-time champions Auckland City at the weekend.
The New Zealand powerhouse was up 2-0 at half-time but Suva got on the board in the 66th minute through Alex Saniel.
Suva struck again in the 84th minute when Marlon Tahioa scored while Auckland was down to 10 men, and the game went to extra-time.
The club said they will now start preparations for Fiji FACT, the country's premier knockout competition.
"These players have been nothing but real warriors for the club and country. Thank you team Suva FC," club management said on its Facebook page.
"We gave it our best but fell short and no excuses, and to all our fans and people of Fiji and abroad who got behind the team, we thank you all.
"This has been a tournament of learning and for any Fijian team to play at this level requires a lot but also teaches us a lot."
Suva's Akuila Mateisuva was chosen the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
The Fijian international was key for the Suva side to reach the grand final, making a number of stops in the decisive matches of the competition.
The club has paid tribute to the people who supported the club during the tournament.
"Thank you to the fans in Vanuatu who stood by us each day we were here and for coming out and supporting us.
"We never felt away from home and tankiu tumas.
"We have made friendships for life.. and you now are all part of the Suva FC family."
Auckland City will now play at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia this December.
Meanwhile, Suva FC Suva football will miss the services of Vanuatu nationals Alex Saniel, Azariah Soromon and Solomon Islander Marlon Tahioa in the Digicel Fiji FACT.
Saniel and Soromon are part of the Vanuatu team that is taking part in the Intercontinental Cup in India next month, while Tahioa is in the Solomon Islands' squad for an international match.
Heartache in Argentina
Fiji's youth team has suffered heartache at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina losing 9-0 to Ecuador in their final group match, after being defeated by Slovakia and the United States.
The Fiji Football Association said the scoreline did not reflect the Junior Bula Boys' effort.
"Despite the overwhelming scoreline, the Fijian team showed resilience and promise throughout the game.
"The experience gained from competing against top-class international teams will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of Fijian football," it said.
It added that the participation of the U-20 team in the FIFA U20 World Cup is a remarkable achievement as one of two teams from Oceania.
Oceania's other representatives, New Zealand, have qualified for the last 16 of the competition by being one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage.
