The Fiji U-16 women’s football team celebrated their first victory at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship by defeating the Cook Islands 2-0 in an important match in Suva. After a hard-fought 3-3 draw with Tonga in their previous game, Fiji was motivated to secure a win to maintain their hopes for a spot in the semi-finals.
Fiji took the lead in the 14th minute when Sisilia Kuladina scored, continuing her impressive performance from the last match with another brilliant goal. She struck the ball from just outside the penalty area into the bottom left corner, leaving Cook Islands’ goalkeeper Vahine Uini with no chance to make a save.
Grace Lakavutu quickly extended Fiji’s advantage by skillfully evading the offside trap and neatly slotting the ball into the net, putting her team ahead comfortably by halftime.
In the second half, despite being behind, the Cook Islands displayed a more determined effort, creating multiple opportunities that tested the young Fijian goalkeeper, who successfully handled the pressure.
The match concluded with Fiji taking home three points, moving them into second place in Group A.