Fiji have opened their OFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign in Tahiti with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Cook Islands at the Stade de Punaruu.
The Junior Kulas struck early through Adi Reva, before Aikitu Mose’s powerful header levelled the score midway through the first half. Annie Finau’s second-half goal, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, ultimately sealed the points for Fiji.
The result puts Fiji top of Group A with three points, while the Cook Islands’ semi-final hopes now hinge on the outcome of Fiji’s next match against Tonga. Anything other than a Tonga win would see both Fiji and the Cooks advance to the semi-finals.
Fiji looked sharp from the outset, breaking the deadlock when the ball was worked to the byline and cut back for Reva to finish from close range, though there was some doubt over whether the ball had stayed in play.
Cook Islands responded with spirit and after striker Metuamaru Arere had tried her luck from distance, dragging her effort wide, Tuka Tisam’s side equalised in the 25th minute when Mose rose above the defence to head home.
On the stroke of half-time, Fiji almost regained the lead when Kasanita Tabua’s clever pass sent Sereana Naweni through, only for goalkeeper Kimberly Uini to produce a fine save.
After the break, Fiji pressed for the advantage. Tabua scuffed a chance set up by Elesi Tabunase’s weaving run, before Finau headed narrowly wide from a corner. The pressure finally told when Cook Islands keeper Kimberly Uini spilled the ball, allowing Finau to nod the ball over the line.
Finau could have extended the margin in the 67th minute but fired wide. Nevertheless, Fiji controlled the closing stages and comfortably saw out the victory to begin their campaign on the front foot.
HT: 1-1
FIJI 2 (Adi REVA 4’ Annie FINAU 55’)
COOK ISLANDS 1 (Aikitu MOSE 25’)