The Fiji U-16 team secured their first victory at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, defeating the Cook Islands 2-0 in an important match held in Suva. Following a tough 3-3 draw with Tonga, Fiji entered the match eager to win and maintain their hopes for a semi-final spot.
Fiji took the lead in the 14th minute when Sisilia Kuladina scored a sensational goal, continuing her impressive form from the previous game. Kuladina capitalized on an opportunity just outside the box, sending the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving Cook Islands goalkeeper Vahine Uini with no chance to make a save.
Grace Lakavutu soon added to Fiji’s lead, skillfully eluding the offside trap and finishing the ball neatly into the net, ensuring Fiji was comfortably ahead by halftime.
In the second half, the Cook Islands demonstrated greater resilience, posing several threats to the young Fijian goalkeeper, who successfully managed to keep them at bay. The match concluded with Fiji earning three points, placing them second in Group A.