(Photo Credit OFC Media via Phototek)
Kasanita Tabua has been the hero for Fiji in their final Group B match against Papua New Guinea at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Suva.
The 16-year-old broke down the right hand side of the field, cut inside the box and struck a lovely left footed shot into the corner of the net after 40 minutes.
Fiji went on to complete a scratchy 1-0 win to advance to the quarter finals.
Both sides had a plethora of chances with Seruwaia Laulaba coming close in the first half on a couple of occasions for Fiji while Nenny Elipas almost scored late in the spell for PNG.
Fiji dominated the early stages but the PNG side came more into the game as the half progressed.
Trailing 1-0 at the break it was Papua New Guinea who came out firing in the second spell. Substitute Keren Kalapai fired against the post and Aileen David blasted over from point blank range when all it required was a simple tap in. Evivi Buka made sure of the result with a cracking second goal in injury time.
The Papua Guinea side will lament failing to convert any of their numerous opportunities.
For PNG it was a vastly improved performance following their 11-0 drubbing by defending champions New Zealand in their opening Group match.
But Susan Watpore’s side won’t progress to the quarter finals as one of the best third placed teams due to having an inferior goal difference.
Fiji will be relieved with the win which guarantees their progression in the tournament but will realise they will need to improve further if they’re to seriously challenge for the title.
Fiji 2 (Kasanita TABUA 40’ Evivi BUKA 90+4 )
PNG 0
HT: 1-0