Fiji Kulas veteran midfielder Cema Nasau was named player of the match after leading her team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Solomon Islands in the opening match of the 2025 OFC Women’s Nations Cup. The match took place at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday night.
Nasau showcased her exceptional skill by scoring two goals, turning the tide in favor of the Kulas after a shaky start. Despite a slow first half, where they entered the break trailing 2-1 after defensive errors, Fiji rallied strongly during halftime discussions. Nasau expressed gratitude towards her teammates and coach Angeline Chua for their support, acknowledging that their performance improved significantly in the second half.
“The first half was a bit slow-paced, but we went back during the halftime break, talked about our weaknesses, and managed to come out strong in the second half,” Nasau said.
The match opened with the Solomon Islands taking an early lead through Lorina Solosaia, whose goal came in the 8th minute thanks to defensive lapses by Fiji. However, the home side responded effectively with captain Jotivini Tabua assisting Narieta Leba to equalize before halftime. Despite their efforts, another defensive mistake allowed the Solomon Islands to regain the lead just before the break.
In the second half, Fiji emerged with renewed vigor. The introduction of players like Preeya Singh and Elesi Tabunase added energy to the Kulas’ attack, leading to Nasau’s two pivotal goals that clinched the victory. This win provides a morale boost as Fiji prepares for their next challenge against Tonga.
Fiji’s resilience and ability to adapt after setbacks demonstrated their potential in the tournament, while also highlighting the growing support for women’s football in the region. Their performance sends a hopeful message as they aim to continue building momentum in the upcoming matches. With a commitment to teamwork and a united spirit, Fiji’s women’s football team looks poised for further success in this prestigious tournament.
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