In sports, heartbreak is part of the game.
But how a team responds to defeat can say just as much as how they celebrate a win.
For the Fiji senior women’s football team, the Fiji Kula, their 2-1 loss to Papua New Guinea in the semi-finals of the 2025 OFC Women’s Nations Cup was a bitter pill.
Its wasn’t just a missed opportunity to reach the final, it was a lesson in pressure, poise and persistence.
Head coach Angeline Chua, who has been at the helm of the team’s recent development, was reflective but resilient after the match.
“This is a difficult moment for the team,” Chua said.
“You know, we came off with, like we prepare to our best, okay, and you know, we have played our best, and it’s not the result that we are looking for. But you know, we, you know, we settle down from this and look forward to the next one.”
The defending champions Papua New Guinea proved why they hold the crown, scoring two quick goals after some costly defensive mistakes by the Kula’s.
But the Kulas fought back through a brilliant goal from young striker Narieta Leba, sparked by a perfectly timed long ball from midfielder Cema Nasau.
Still, Fiji could not break down PNG’s solid defence in the second half, leaving the Kulas to reflect on what might have been.
Chua admitted that mistakes cost the team dearly at a critical stage.
“You know, the Football is a game of mistakes, and, you know, we make a couple of mistakes, and it’s costly. So especially, you know, in a knockout stage, mistakes like this, it’s very difficult. But you know, we stand by each other. We stand by the team, because the team is bigger than anyone.”
Fiji arrived at the tournament as one of the favorites to reach the final but had to settle for second place in their pool, setting up an early clash with PNG.
The match proved a tough test for a team blending experienced leaders like Naomi Waqanidrola and Maria Veronika with younger players gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
Looking ahead to the third-place playoff against Samoa tomorrow, Chua said maintaining morale is key.
“Yeah, of course, you know the losing a game. Of course, we think about the team morale. So, you know, we have a good rest and speak about how we can win. Always. We talk about how we can win, the plan to win, and that’s how we’re going to approach the next game.”
Mental health and recovery will be priorities for the coaching staff as they prepare the squad.
“Of course, you know, the health of the mental health and the recovery of the players is most important. And stick together. And you know, talk about objectively, how to win the next game. That will be the focus.”
Despite the loss, the Fiji Kulas remain determined to make the most of the rest of their tournament and build on the experience gained so far.
For a young squad still growing in confidence, tomorrow’s match is more than just a chance for a bronze medal, it’s a chance to close out the tournament with pride and to give the Fijian fans one more performance to rally behind.
Fiji will take on Samoa at 3:30pm tomorrow at the HFC Bank Stadium in the third-place playoff of the 2025 OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
The final, set to kick off at 7pm, will see defending champions Papua New Guinea go head-to-head with the Solomon Islands, who have made history by reaching the final for the first time.
