Samoa made a strong start in Group A during the day’s opening match, prompting both Fiji and Tonga to strive for a similarly quick tempo as they sought to establish their rhythm.
Following the initial bout, the match settled down, thanks in part to the hosts. Uliana Vuniyayawa, surrounded by defenders, managed to seize a bouncing loose ball in midfield. Maintaining her composure, she scored against Temaleti Taufa’ao, eliciting jubilant cheers from the crowd.
With the lead secured, Fiji quickly looked to extend their advantage. In the 39th minute, Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina, the youngest participant in last month’s inaugural OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup, added a second goal. Anticipation built as she took a free kick from about 35 yards out, launching an unstoppable shot that found the back of the net.
Fiji entered halftime with momentum, but Tonga aimed to reclaim it after the break. The comeback began with Cienna Filimoeatu delivering a through ball to Kuria Malohifo’ou. Although she appeared to hold the ball too long, her powerful shot slipped past Melania Keresoni, bringing Tonga back into the contest.
Just four minutes later, Tonga equalized as Tyra Bagiante, who had been a persistent threat throughout the match, confidently netted a goal after receiving a release. The quick loss of their lead seemed to shake Fiji’s confidence, allowing Tonga to dominate possession, though they struggled to capitalize further.
Bravery from goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao kept the game tied at 2-2, as she thwarted Teonila Levuiciva after the winger capitalized on a Kuladina pass. Bagiante believed she had the winning goal in the 75th minute, but Keresoni was alert, denying the Tongan striker.
In a dramatic twist, Fiji appeared to secure the victory in the 78th minute when Grace Lakavutu, coming off the bench, scored with a stunning outside-of-the-boot shot from close range, igniting ecstatic celebrations on the Fijian bench.
However, Tonga was not done yet. Malohifo’ou struck again, finding the net for the second time in the half and leveling the match at 3-3, thus concluding the intense battle with both teams sharing the points.