The Fiji senior women’s football team, known as the Kulas, faced a disappointing defeat in their third-place playoff match against Samoa, ending with a score of 0-2 during the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 at HFC Bank Stadium. Despite controlling the game and maintaining significant possession, the Kulas failed to convert multiple scoring opportunities into goals.
Samoa capitalized on two early chances, ultimately securing their best finish in the tournament’s history with this victory, improving from their previous fourth-place achievement in 2022.
Head coach Angeline Chua acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing the need for honest self-assessment. “We must recognize that we are not performing well defensively,” she stated, noting the challenges they encountered after conceding those early goals. Coach Chua attempted to revitalize the team by making several substitutions, yet Fiji was unable to break through Samoa’s resilient defense.
The match was especially tough for Fiji, as it unfolded before their home supporters. Chua reflected on the difficulty of maintaining focus under pressure and acknowledged that sometimes, “bad things just happen.”
While the Kulas might have finished the tournament on a disappointing note, Chua remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of building depth within the team. She highlighted the ongoing search for talent within the under-16 and under-19 teams as crucial for the next generation of players.
Chua expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, despite the challenging results. “Thank you for your support. Although this wasn’t the result we hoped for, we still aim to showcase the character of our team,” she shared.
The Kulas’ journey exemplifies the progression of women’s football in Fiji, inspiring future generations despite the recent setbacks. With a focus on development and resilience, there is hope for improvement in upcoming competitions.
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