The Fiji Men’s Football team faced a setback in their second pool match of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, losing 2–0 to Vanuatu. This match took place after a successful outing for the Fiji Women’s team, who secured a narrow yet hard-fought 2–1 victory against the Solomon Islands earlier in the day.
The Fiji Women’s team, known as the Kulas, started strong, scoring twice in the first half. The first goal came from Adi Litia Bakaniceva, who deftly maneuvered around defenders after receiving a well-timed through ball, finishing with a stylish solo effort. Moments later, Cema Nasau found the back of the net from a close-range opportunity, contributing to Fiji’s 2–0 lead. Although the Solomon Islands managed to pull one goal back, Fiji’s defense held firm to secure their second consecutive win in the tournament.
In contrast, the men’s match against Vanuatu was tightly contested, remaining scoreless at halftime. As the game progressed, Vanuatu broke the deadlock with a sharp strike late in the match and then extended their lead via a penalty kick. Despite creating several chances, Fiji was unable to find the back of the net, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Both Fiji teams will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face new challenges. The men’s team will need to learn from this experience and bounce back as they prepare for their next matches, while the women’s team continues to build on their successful run. The resilience shown by both teams throughout the tournament so far brings hope to fans for future performances.