THE Fiji Kulas have qualified for the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers after defeating Vanuatu Women’s National Football Team 1–0 at 4R Stadium at Govind Park yesterday.
Fiji and Papua New Guinea Women’s National Football Team have both advanced from Group B and will play in the semi-finals in New Zealand on April 12.
The home side enjoyed a strong start, breaking through the Vanuatu defence to score the only goal of the match in the 20th minute through Sofi Diyolowai.
Vanuatu regrouped and controlled possession in the remaining minutes of the first half with several attacking attempts, but Fiji’s defence stood firm to deny them any goals. Fiji led 1–0 at halftime.
A large crowd of Fijian fans turned up at Govind Park, creating a lively atmosphere with cheers and dances that kept motivating the team.
The second half saw both teams continue to play exciting football with strong attacking and defensive efforts. Vanuatu pushed hard to find an equaliser, but Fiji maintained the pressure and disrupted their attacking line.
Fiji held on to seal a 1–0 victory at fulltime.
Kulas captain Naomi Waqanidrola said the team’s focus was to secure the win and qualify for the semi-finals.
“Our main goal was to win and get the three points to qualify,” Waqanidrola said.
“Our message to the team was to work hard and stay humble.”
