Fiji and Tonga battled to an exciting 3-3 draw in the opening match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championships at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Fiji initially took control of the match, with forward Uliana Vuniyayawa seizing a chance from a loose ball in midfield to score the first goal. Fueled by this early lead, Fiji quickly struck again. Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina executed a remarkable free-kick from 35 yards, sending the ball over the Tongan goalkeeper and into the net.
However, the second half saw Tonga fight back fiercely. Filimoeatu assisted Kuria Malohofo’ou, who fired a powerful shot past Fiji goalkeeper Melania Keresoni, marking the start of Tonga’s resurgence. The momentum shifted further as Tyra Bagiante, a key player for Tonga, leveled the score by skillfully finishing off a crucial play.
Fiji, experiencing a dip in their earlier confidence, tried to gain control again. Teonila Levuiciva came close to scoring, but Tonga’s goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao made an essential save to keep the match tied.
With the game seeming set for a Fijian victory, substitute Grace Lakavutu netted a creative goal, igniting celebrations from the Fijian bench. Nevertheless, Tonga responded valiantly. Malohifo’ou scored again, securing a dramatic late equalizer and ending the contest at 3-3.