Fiji have secured top spot in Group A at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Papua New Guinea at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. 

Captain Maikah Dau led the way for the Junior Bula Boys with two goals, scoring his second direct free kick goal of the tournament, before adding one from the penalty spot late on.

It’s the second time in three tournaments that Fiji have gone through the group stage unbeaten, setting up a semi-final with the runners-up from Group B on Wednesday afternoon.

Just as he had against Tahiti in the opening game, another goal of the tournament contender from Maikah Dau gave Fiji the lead. 

This time he curled his direct free kick around the wall and into the bottom right corner of the net from the edge of the box, giving his side the lead in the 26th minute.

Despite having already secured their first knockout-stage spot since 2017, Papua New Guinea pushed forward in search of a response, as they looked to clinch Group A honours.

John Milis fired straight at Kirikiti Biu in goal, before Jaru Eron saw his effort blocked and cleared off the line by some desperate Fijian defence.

Dau had a chance to extend Fiji’s lead just before the break with one of his trademark direct free-kicks, but this time he struck the left post.

It became a tense affair in the second-half, with chances few and far between for either nation. 

Boas Tommy had scored a hat-trick against Tahiti in Papua New Guinea’s previous group game, but found it difficult to get in behind Fiji’s backline.

With PNG pushing forward in search of a late goal, they left gaps at the back, and heading into the final 10 minutes, the Junior Bula Boys doubled their advantage after substitute Zafir Ali was pulled down inside the box.

Dau stepped up and duly converted in the 83rd minute, picking out the top of the net to seal victory and top spot in Group A.

Both nations now progress through to the semi-finals on Wednesday, with Fiji facing the runners-up and Papua New Guinea taking on the winners of Group B

Papua New Guinea: 0
Fiji: 2 (Maikah DAU 26’, 83’ pen.) 

HT: 0-1

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek