The Fiji Kulas women’s football team is intensifying preparations for the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup, holding two training sessions daily as they aim to claim their first title in the tournament’s history.
Since the competition’s inception in 1983, the OFC Women’s Nations Cup has remained just out of Fiji’s grasp. Their closest opportunity came in 2022, when they narrowly lost 2-1 to Papua New Guinea in the final at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Under the guidance of head coach Angeline Chua, the team has been hard at work, focused and determined to go one better this year. Fiji will enter the tournament as one of the frontrunners, with Chua naming a strong and diverse squad.
Returning to boost the team is USA-based forward Trina Davis, a standout performer in the last edition.
She is joined by other overseas-based talents including Akanisa Sorovakarua (West LA College), Aliana Vakaloloma (Spokane WFC), and Anisha Dwarika (William Jessup University).
Papua New Guinea-based players Adi Litia Bakaniceva and Maria Veronica, along with NZ-based goalkeeper Ka’iulani Scott and striker Cema Nasau, also feature in the lineup.
Fiji is placed in Pool B with Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
They kick off their campaign against the Solomon Islands on July 5, followed by matches against Tonga (July 8) and Vanuatu (July 11).
The semi-finals are set for July 16, with the final scheduled for July 19.
While New Zealand, Oceania’s highest-ranked team (33 in FIFA rankings), is not participating, PNG (ranked 58) remains Fiji’s biggest rival.
Fiji is currently ranked 71, and a strong showing in this tournament could significantly improve their position ahead of next year’s World Cup Qualifiers.
