Fiji claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against the Solomon Islands, securing fifth place in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2024, with a remarkable free-kick goal from Sisilia Kuladina.
Both teams came into the match after being eliminated from contention for the semi-finals, which made for a tightly contested game. The Solomon Islands made a strategic late change to their starting lineup, bringing Bella Fa’arodo in to replace Joyce Siosi.
The first half of the match featured few scoring opportunities, with the Solomon Islands hitting the crossbar from a corner kick. Additionally, Fiji’s goalkeeper, Miliana Maramanikabu, had to be substituted after sustaining a head injury.
As the second half unfolded, the Solomon Islands pressed hard for a goal but were unable to find the net. It was Kuladina who ultimately changed the course of the match with a expertly taken free-kick from just outside the penalty area.
Fiji managed to maintain their lead, while the Solomon Islands struggled to equalize, ending the match in favor of Fiji.