Fiji triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a 1-0 victory to secure fifth place in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2024, highlighted by a remarkable free-kick from Sisilia Kuladina.
Both teams approached the match after falling just short of reaching the semi-finals, resulting in a tightly contested game. The Solomon Islands made a last-minute adjustment to their starting lineup, bringing in Bella Fa’arodo to replace Joyce Siosi.
During the first half, opportunities were scarce, with the Solomon Islands coming close by hitting the woodwork from a corner, and Fiji’s goalkeeper, Miliana Maramanikabu, being substituted following a head injury.
The second half saw the Solomon Islands almost break the stalemate, but it was Kuladina’s skill that turned the tide, as she successfully scored from a free-kick just outside the penalty area.
Fiji managed to maintain their lead, while the Solomon Islands found it challenging to equalize.