A second-half brace from New Zealand-based forward Cema Nasau inspired Fiji to a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over the Solomon Islands in their OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 Group B opener at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.

In front of a vocal home crowd, the Kulas overcame a sluggish start to claim all three points in a pulsating encounter that saw both sides create numerous chances.

The Solomon Islands began brightly and should have taken the lead inside six minutes. Almah Gogoni delivered a perfect cross from the right, but Lorina Solosaia’s header from close range sailed over the bar. The forward made amends just two minutes later, turning home another Gogoni cutback after a dazzling run down the flank.

That early strike served as a wake-up call for Fiji, who gradually worked their way into the contest. Narieta Leba came close to an equaliser on 16 minutes after a surging run, but her effort was parried by goalkeeper Zainab Donga before being scrambled clear.

Solomon Islands celebrate during theOFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025, Fiji v Solomon Islands, HFC Bank Stadium Suva, Fiji, Saturday 5 July 2025. Photo: Kiri Corrie / www.phototek.nz

Fiji continued to push forward and were finally rewarded four minutes before the break when Leba pounced on a defensive error to slot home and make it 1-1. But their joy was short-lived, Solosaia restored the Solomon Islands’ lead just two minutes later, latching onto a through ball and calmly finishing past Ka’iulani Scott.

Fiji coach Angeline Chua introduced Elise Tabunase at the interval, and the change paid immediate dividends. Within five minutes of the restart, Nasau levelled the scores with a superb turn and finish inside the box. The Fiji forward was causing constant problems, forcing another strong save from Donga shortly afterward.

Fiji’s Filomena Racea during theOFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025, Fiji v Solomon Islands, HFC Bank Stadium Suva, Fiji, Saturday 5 July 2025. Photo: Kiri Corrie / www.phototek.nz

The home side took the lead for the first time just after the hour mark. Adi Liti Bakaniceva delivered a pinpoint cross, and Nasau timed her run perfectly to slide home her second goal of the evening.

From there, Fiji looked the more likely to add to the scoreline, with several chances going begging as the Kulas controlled possession and territory. The Solomon Islands, relying on the sporadic threat of talisman Ileen Pegi, couldn’t find a way back into the match.

Fiji will face Tonga next on Tuesday, while the Solomon Islands take on Vanuatu in their second Group B fixture.

Fiji 3 (Narieta LEBA 41’, Cema NASAU 50’, 63’)
Solomon Islands 2 (Lorina SOLOSAIA 8’, 43’)HT: Solomon Islands 2-1 Fiji

Photo credit OFC Media via Phototek