Fiji and Tonga battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw in the opening match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championships, held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Fiji opened the scoring when forward Uliana Vuniyayawa seized on a loose ball in midfield. Following this early lead, Fiji doubled their advantage with a brilliant free-kick from Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina, who sent the ball soaring from 35 yards into the net, leaving the Tongan goalkeeper with no chance.
The second half saw Tonga mount a fierce comeback. Filimoeatu assisted Kuria Malohofo’ou, who equalized with a powerful strike past Fiji’s goalkeeper Melania Keresoni. The momentum shifted as Tyra Bagiante, a key player throughout the match, scored to bring the teams level.
As Fiji’s earlier confidence faded, they nearly took the lead once more when Teonila Levuiciva had a close chance, but Tonga’s goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao made a vital save. Fiji finally surged ahead when substitute Grace Lakavutu executed a clever finish, igniting celebrations among the Fijian players. However, Tonga responded in the dying minutes, with Malohifo’ou scoring again to clinch a late equalizer, resulting in a final score of 3-3.