Fiji and Tonga ended their opening match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championships in a dramatic 3-3 draw at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Fiji opened the scoring when forward Uliana Vuniyayawa seized a loose ball in the midfield. Energized by this early advantage, Fiji quickly added a second goal when Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina struck a remarkable free kick from 35 yards out, sending the ball flying past the Tongan goalkeeper.
However, the second half witnessed Tonga’s determined fight back. Filimoeatu assisted Kuria Malohofo’ou, who scored with a powerful shot that found the back of the net, marking Tonga’s resurgence in the match.
The momentum continued to shift in Tonga’s favor, with Tyra Bagiante skillfully equalizing the game with a well-timed finish. Despite Fiji’s earlier confidence dipping, the contest remained fiercely competitive. Fiji almost regained the lead when Teonila Levuiciva struck a shot, but Tonga’s goalkeeper Temaleti Taufa’ao made a vital save.
As the match progressed, Fiji appeared destined for victory when substitute Grace Lakavutu executed a clever finish to put them ahead again, leading to celebrations on the Fijian bench.
Nevertheless, Tonga was relentless. Malohifo’ou scored again late in the game, securing a hard-fought equalizer and finishing the match at 3-3.