Fiji’s hopes of qualifying for back-to-back FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups came to a heartbreaking end yesterday after a 2-0 defeat to New Caledonia in the semi-finals of the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship at Stade Paea.
Despite dominating large periods of play, the Fijian side could not find a way past inspired New Caledonian goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben, who produced a string of superb saves to deny them.
Fiji created early pressure, with Adi Reva and Sereana Naweni both testing Aben in the opening twenty minutes, but the keeper stood firm.
Naweni tried her luck again from distance soon after, only to be thwarted once more.
Fiji carried much of the momentum into the second half, and Reva almost broke the deadlock with a low strike that Aben somehow managed to deflect wide with her outstretched foot.
But against the run of play, New Caledonia struck first through Kheiméra Gondou in the 59th minute, capitalising on a failed clearance.
The second came twelve minutes later, when Aziliz Naaoutchoue pounced on a rebound after a free kick crashed against the crossbar.
Fiji refused to surrender and continued to search for a goal, substitute Emele Vunivalu forcing yet another stop from Aben, while Reva flashed a shot across goal late on.
The defeat means Fiji will miss out on Poland 2026, but the side will still play for pride in the third-place playoff.
Their spirited display highlighted their quality—just not the clinical finishing required on the day.
