Fiji produced a composed and clinical display to defeat Tonga 2-1, clinching the top position in Group A at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 held in Tahiti. This victory not only secures Fiji’s spot in the semi-finals but also confirms the Cook Islands as runners-up, relegating Tonga to the 5th place play-off.
The match was crucial for Tonga, who needed a victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive. They started strongly, testing Fiji’s defense early on. However, Fiji absorbed the pressure and quickly seized control of the game. Elesi Tabunase opened the scoring with a diving header in the 8th minute, followed closely by a powerful strike from captain Sereana Naweni just three minutes later. Despite Tonga’s goalkeeper, Keira Wolfgramm, making several exceptional saves, Fiji went into halftime with a comfortable two-goal lead.
In the second half, Tonga tightened their defense and gradually grew into the game. Anela Makaafi’s spectacular goal from outside the area in the 68th minute raised hopes for Tonga, but despite their late efforts and creating some nervous moments for Fiji, they couldn’t equalize.
Fiji now looks ahead to a semi-final clash against either Tahiti or New Caledonia, while the Cook Islands gear up for a potential face-off with defending champions New Zealand, with both matches determining spots in the final.
This triumph highlights Fiji’s strong performance and strategic gameplay in regional tournaments. It builds upon previous successes, such as their victory in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup against Tonga. With adept players like Elesi Tabunase and Sereana Naweni consistently making impactful contributions, Fiji’s prospects in upcoming matches seem promising. The team’s resilience and recent performances offer a beacon of hope and inspiration for women’s football in the region, with the tournament stirring excitement and support for the sport.