Fiji Kulas veteran midfielder Cema Nasau was named player of the match in the opening game of the 2025 OFC Women’s Nations Cup between Fiji and the Solomon Islands on Saturday night at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Nasau netted two impressive goals in a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
Nasau expressed her gratitude to her teammates, coach Angeline Chua, and the support from the almighty for their win.
She admitted the slow pace of the first half but credited their halftime discussion for their strong comeback in the second half.
“I like to thank the almighty for giving us the strength, and I like to thank my teammates for giving their 101 per cent and for our coach Angeline Chua for always believing in us,” said Nasau.
“I think at first half was a bit slow pace, but we went back during the half time break talked about our weakness and managed to come out strong in the second half.”
Despite a slow start, the Kulas managed to claim all three points in front of their enthusiastic home crowd.
The match began with high intensity, and it was the visitors who struck first through Lorina Solosaia who opened the scoring in the 8th minute after some sloppy defence from the home side.
Fiji responded with captain Jotivini Tabua setting up a crucial opportunity for Narieta Leba, who made no mistake in front of the goal for an equaliser.
However, a defensive error allowed the Solomon Islands to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Fiji showed renewed determination, with Preeya Singh and Elesi Tabunase providing fresh impetus.
Nasau then scored two impressive goals to turn the tide in Fiji’s favor.
The victory sets up Fiji for their next match against Tonga at 7pm tomorrow, while the Solomon Islands will face Vanuatu in their second Group B fixture.
