Fiji’s U-16 Women’s team, the Young Kulas, finished sixth in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Apia, Samoa, after a 1-0 defeat to Tonga in the fifth-place playoff. India-May Mann struck the decisive blow in the 70th minute, clinching victory for Tonga.
Coach Marika Rodu had rotated virtually his entire starting XI to give squad members valuable minutes, but Fiji were left chasing the game for much of the first half. The result capped a challenging campaign for the Young Kulas, who had opened with a 4-0 win over Tahiti but were unable to capitalise in their remaining group games, losing 4-0 to Samoa and 6-0 to New Caledonia.
The victory against Tahiti in Fiji’s opener showcased the team’s potential. Teonila Levuiciva opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and Adi Reva doubled the lead just before halftime. Kalisi Dama converted a 62nd-minute penalty to make it 3-0, before substitute Akanisi Katonitabua capped the win with a stoppage-time strike. The win aligned with Fiji’s broader ambitions for the sport, echoing the momentum generated by the nation’s male side, which has enjoyed recent international success.
Looking ahead, Fiji’s youth program can take heart from the opening performance and the learning experiences from their group-stage battles. Continued development at the U-16 level is seen as a key step in strengthening Fiji’s overall women’s football pathway in years to come.
Editor’s note: The tournament has featured tight battles between Fiji and other OFC nations, with several close finishes and standout individual performances that underline the growth of Fiji’s young players on the international stage. The schedule ahead should offer more opportunities for players to build experience and confidence.
Summary: Fiji’s U-16 women’s team showed early promise with a 4-0 win over Tahiti but finished sixth after a 1-0 loss to Tonga in the fifth-place playoff, underscoring both progress and room for improvement in Fiji’s youth football programs. Positive momentum remains for future campaigns.
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