The Fiji U-16 team achieved their first victory in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship by defeating the Cook Islands 2-0 in a significant match held in Suva. Following a tough 3-3 draw against Tonga, Fiji entered the match eager to secure a win to maintain their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Fiji took the lead in the 14th minute when Sisilia Kuladina scored, building on her previous strong performance with another impressive goal. She capitalized on an opportunity just outside the box, sending the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the Cook Islands’ goalkeeper, Vahine Uini, without a chance to intervene.
Grace Lakavutu soon extended Fiji’s advantage, skillfully evading the offside trap to neatly place the ball into the net, putting Fiji comfortably ahead by halftime.
In the second half, despite being behind, the Cook Islands responded with greater determination, creating several challenges for the young Fijian goalkeeper, who proved to be up to the task. The match concluded with Fiji earning three points, moving them into second place in Group A.