PNG, Fiji End First Day of International Friendly in Cliffhanger

Fiji Kulas’ late goal forced the opening day of the international friendly women’s match into a 2-2 dramatic finish with PNG Lagatois on Friday, May 30th, 2025, at PNG Football 

Stadium in Port Moresby. 

The PNG Lagatois and Fiji Kulas will rest for two days (Saturday & Sunday) to complete their two-match international friendly series on Monday, June 2, with the bragging rights up for grabs. 

As expected, the match kicked off to a fiery start, with the two teams fighting to exert their dominance. After some minutes of arm wrestling, Caroline Qalivere put Fiji on the scoreboard but PNG’s Marie Kaipu responded quickly with an equalizer, leaving the half-time score at 1-goal apiece.

The second half was a seesawing affair, with both sides fighting to gain possession and field territory. A missed header by the Kulas’ fullback saw Karen Kelepai race to dribble the loose ball to score PNG’s second goal. However, right on the stroke of full-time, Fiji leveled the score, finishing the opener in a stalemate. 

PNG had more goal-scoring chances but they did not capitalize, while Fiji had their moments, too. The goals came begging for the two teams, but the finishing touches were poor. Both sides will regroup to make a statement on Monday. 

This two-match international friendly series serves as a crucial preparation for both PNG Lagatois and Fiji Kulas in the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup scheduled from July 4-19 in Suva, Fiji.