The Fijian Kulas made it two wins from two at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025, defeating Tonga 3-0 in front of a lively home crowd at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Despite their dominant 12-0 victory over Tonga in the 2018 edition of the tournament, Fiji had to work harder this time as the Tongans showed resilience and discipline throughout the encounter.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when tournament talisman Cema Nasau rose above her marker to head home a corner, adding to her tournament tally and bringing her total to 10 goals all-time at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
Fiji missed chances to extend their lead in the first half through Anisha Dwarka and Narieta Leba, while Tonga had their best moment just before the break, with Gabriela Filimoetau’s shot flying inches over the bar.
Coach Angeline Chua introduced fresh legs before the hour mark, but Tonga’s deep defensive line continued to frustrate the hosts. The tension was finally eased in the 80th minute, as substitute Sereana Naweni latched onto a clever pass from Adi Litia Bakaniceva, rounded the keeper, and coolly slotted home Fiji’s second.
With the final play of the match, Elesi Tabunase bundled in a third goal in stoppage time, reacting quickest to a corner delivery from the left.
Despite the win, Group B remains undecided. Tonga must now chase a big win over Solomon Islands to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while Fiji need only a draw against Vanuatu to secure top spot.
Full-Time
🇫🇯 Fiji 3 – 0 Tonga 🇹🇴
Goals:
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Cema Nasau (30’)
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Sereana Naweni (80’)
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Elesi Tabunase (90+7’)
Half-Time: Fiji 1–0 Tonga
