Samoa secured a 1-0 victory against host nation Fiji in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, finishing at the top of Group A and advancing to the semi-finals. This result also allowed Tonga to move forward in second place, eliminating Fiji from the tournament.
Fiji required a minimum of a draw to progress but were unable to achieve this. The match was fiercely contested from the outset, with both teams showing physicality and making several changes to their line-ups. Fiji was forced to make an early substitution when Asenaca Naio was injured and replaced by Suliana Vuniyayawa. The first half ended without any goals.
In the second half, Samoa brought on Holly Leapai, whose impact was immediate. In the 51st minute, Ayres Ava scored the winning goal by redirecting a high ball past Fiji’s goalkeeper, Aliana Vakalomoa.
Fiji made a strong effort in search of an equalizer, with Vakalomoa making crucial saves and midfielder Sisilia Kuladina attempting shots from distance. However, Samoa’s robust defense held strong, preventing Fiji from scoring.
Despite their efforts, Fiji could not find the crucial goal, leading to Samoa’s victory and a disappointing end to Fiji’s campaign in the tournament.