Fiji prevail over Solomon Islands

The Fiji Kulas overcame the resilient Solomon Islands with a 2-1 win in the women’s clash of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup today (17th November 2025) at PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

Fiji stamped their authority in the opening five minutes, with forward Adi Litia Bakaniceva opening the scoring in the 5th minute. She dribbled the loose ball outside of the 20-meter yard to find the back of the net. 

After that goal by Fiji, the Solomon Islands made a few attempts to level the score, with Fiji also having a couple of chances to widen the lead. The first 45 minutes of play turned into an arm wrestle, with Fiji taking a 1-0 lead.

The Fiji girls bagged their second goal in the 51st minute of the second half, with captain Jotivini Tabua assisting Cema Nasau and increasing their lead to 2-0, while the Solomon Islands were gasping for air. 

Playing catch-up football, the Solomon Islands lifted their tempo to reduce the deficit and give themselves a fighting chance. Through their persistence, the girls in yellow were given a penalty outside the penalty box area, and Madeline Arukau nailed the free kick, which curved and hit the net.

In the seven-minute added time, the Solomon Islands were putting Fiji under the pump in trying to equalize the goal. However, the Kulas stood their ground and repelled the Solomon Islands’ attack, sealing the deal with a hard-fought 2-1 win. 

The Fiji Kulas remained undefeated and are topping Pool B, with coach Angeline Chua praising her girls for sticking to the game plan and shrugging off the fast-finishing Solomon Islanders.

“In our two days of resting, we came up with a plan, and the girls went out to the field and executed the game plan. They did exactly what we told them to do,” Chua said. 

With a one-day turnaround for the playoffs, coach Chua added: “It’s a very short turnaround, so I think recovery is the key, making sure that the players are fully recovered.”

The Fiji Kulas will meet either PNG or Vanuatu in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 19th November, with the finals draw to be released tomorrow (18th November). 

Meanwhile, Fiji and Vanuatu are playing to fight for a spot in the semi-finals. The match is currently underway.