Ba Women FC star forward Koleta Likuculacula dedicated her team’s 3-1 victory over Tupapa Maraerenga FC to all the mothers of Fiji as the country celebrated Mother’s Day yesterday.
“First of all, I want to thank God for the victory and give Him the honour and glory,” Likuculacula said.
“I also want to thank the girls for putting on a tremendous performance, especially the young ones. This win is for all the mothers in Fiji. Happy Mother’s Day!”
Her heartfelt tribute followed an inspired performance at Stade Fautaua in Tahiti, where Ba booked their spot in the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2025, finishing top of Group A.
Likuculacula was the standout of the match, scoring twice and earning the Player of the Match award. She wasted no time giving Ba the lead, finding the back of the net just four minutes after kickoff with a composed finish past the Tupapa keeper.
Ulamila Rasovasova made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute following a double save by Tupapa goalkeeper Rianna Pepe. A minute later, Likuculacula struck again, capitalizing on a quick restart to make it 3-0.
Ba dominated the first half with sharp attacking play and solid defence. Asenaca Naio nearly added a fourth but saw her shot blocked inside the box. The second half saw continued pressure from Ba, with Likuculacula threatening on several occasions, once with an acrobatic shot and another with a powerful header, both denied by the brilliant Pepe.
Captain Luisa Tamanitoakula also came close with a curling free kick, only for it to be cleared off the line by Penina Katuke.
Tupapa Maraerenga, needing a four-goal win to advance, found it tough to break through Ba’s defence. They finally grabbed a consolation in the 79th minute, with Kayleen Kermode converting from a corner to score the Cook Islands side’s only goal of the tournament.
Likuculacula had a late chance to complete her hat-trick but was once again denied by Pepe, who put in a spirited performance despite the loss.
Ba will now face the runners-up from Group B on Thursday’s semi-final, carrying strong momentum and a message of pride and purpose from their star forward.
