The Fiji U-16 team secured their first victory at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a 2-0 win over the Cook Islands in an important match in Suva. Following a tough 3-3 draw against Tonga, Fiji was determined to achieve a win to maintain their hopes for a semi-final spot.
Fiji took the lead in the 14th minute thanks to Sisilia Kuladina, who continued her impressive form from the previous match by scoring a remarkable goal. She struck the ball from just outside the box, finding the bottom left corner and leaving Cook Islands’ goalkeeper Vahine Uini with no chance to respond.
Grace Lakavutu soon extended Fiji’s advantage, skillfully avoiding the offside trap to slot the ball into the net. By halftime, Fiji was comfortably ahead.
In the second half, despite being down, the Cook Islands displayed greater resilience and created several opportunities that tested the young Fijian goalkeeper, who performed admirably. The match concluded with Fiji earning three points, placing them second in Group A.