Samoa set the pace for Group A in the day’s opening match, and both Fiji and Tonga aimed to match that intensity as they sought to find their rhythm on the field.
Following an exciting start, the game settled down thanks to the hosts. Uliana Vuniyayawa, surrounded by defenders, skillfully controlled a loose ball in midfield and sent it past goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao, igniting cheers from the crowd.
With the early lead, Fiji soon doubled their advantage. Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina, the youngest participant in the previous month’s inaugural OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup, showcased her talent by scoring another goal in the 39th minute. Standing over a free kick from 35 yards out, she unleashed a powerful shot that soared past the Tongan goalkeeper, thrilling the supporters.
Entering halftime, Fiji held the momentum, but Tonga was determined to reclaim it after the break. The change began with Cienna Filimoeatu’s pass to Kuria Malohifo’ou, whose delayed shot managed to find the net, giving Tonga hope for a comeback.
Just four minutes later, Tonga leveled the score with a decisive goal from Tyra Bagiante, who confidently finished after being set up by a teammate. This quick equalizer shook Fiji’s confidence while Tonga appeared more stable, although they could not convert this momentum into a lead.
Temaleti Taufa’ao showcased bravery in goal, preventing further damage as she intercepted a promising opportunity from Teonila Levuiciva. In another near miss, Bagiante thought she had secured a winner in the 75th minute, but Keresoni’s quick reactions kept the score level.
Fiji seemed to have clinched victory in the 78th minute when substitute Grace Lakavutu scored with a deft touch, sending the Fijian bench into celebration. However, Tonga quickly responded; Malohifo’ou scored her second goal of the match, resulting in a thrilling 3-3 draw that concluded the tightly contested battle between the two teams.