A second-half brace from New Zealand-based forward Cema Nasau inspired Fiji to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the Solomon Islands in their Group B opener at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
In front of a vocal home crowd, the Fijian Kulas recovered from a sluggish start to claim all three points in a pulsating encounter that saw both sides create numerous chances.
The Solomon Islands began brightly and should have taken the lead inside six minutes. Almah Gogoni delivered a perfect cross from the right, but Lorina Solosaia’s close-range header went over the bar. The forward made amends two minutes later, turning home another Gogoni cutback after a dazzling run down the flank.
That early strike served as a wake-up call for Fiji, who gradually worked their way into the contest. Narieta Leba came close to an equaliser in the 16th minute after a surging run, but her effort was parried by goalkeeper Zainab Donga before being scrambled clear.
Fiji continued to press and were finally rewarded four minutes before the break when Leba pounced on a defensive error to slot home and make it 1-1. But their joy was short-lived—Solosaia struck again just two minutes later, latching onto a through ball and calmly finishing past Ka’iulani Scott to restore the lead for the Solomon Islands.
Half-time: Solomon Islands 2-1 Fiji
Fiji coach Angeline Chua made a tactical change at the interval, bringing on Elise Tabunase, and the substitution paid immediate dividends. Within five minutes of the restart, Nasau levelled the scores with a sharp turn and finish inside the box.
The Fijian forward continued to cause problems, forcing another fine save from Donga shortly afterward. Fiji’s persistence paid off just after the hour mark. Adi Litia Bakaniceva whipped in a pinpoint cross from the right, and Nasau, ghosting between defenders, timed her run to perfection and slotted in her second of the evening to make it 3-2.
From there, Fiji dominated possession and looked the more likely to score again, while the Solomon Islands—despite the efforts of talisman Ileen Pegi—struggled to mount a consistent threat.
The win gives Fiji a valuable three points heading into their next match against Tonga on Tuesday. The Solomon Islands will look to bounce back when they face Vanuatu in their second Group B fixture.
Full-Time Score:
🇫🇯 Fiji 3 – Narieta Leba 41’, Cema Nasau 50’, 63’
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands 2 – Lorina Solosaia 8’, 43’
