Fiji and Tonga faced off in an exciting 3-3 draw in the opening match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championships at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Fiji initially took control of the game when forward Uliana Vuniyayawa seized on a loose ball in midfield, putting her team ahead. Buoyed by this early success, Fiji quickly doubled their lead with a remarkable free-kick from Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina, who struck the ball from 35 yards, sending it over the Tongan goalkeeper and into the net.
However, the second half marked a resurgence for Tonga, as they fought back into the match. Filimoeatu assisted Kuria Malohofo’ou, who unleashed a powerful shot, reducing the deficit and signaling the start of Tonga’s comeback.
Tonga continued to build on their momentum, with Tyra Bagiante successfully finishing off a key play, bringing the score to 2-2. Although Fiji attempted to regain their advantage through Teonila Levuiciva, Tongan goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao delivered a critical save to keep the game level.
The balance shifted again when substitute Grace Lakavutu found the net with a creative finish, leading to jubilation from the Fijian bench as they seemed to be on course for victory. In the dying moments of the match, however, Tonga struck back again. Malohifo’ou scored once more, securing a dramatic equalizer and ending the match in a 3-3 stalemate.