The Fiji senior women’s football team, Fiji Kula will step onto the pitch today fully aware of what’s on the line.
They face Papua New Guinea at 3pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025, a must-win match that could bring them closer to a title Fiji has never won before.
For 20-year-old centre back Akanisi Sorovakarua, the occasion is not just about football, but about belief, preparation and team unity.
“This is a big game. We’ve been preparing for it for a while, studying how PNG plays and making sure we’re ready,” she said.
Sorovakarua, who is based in the United States, made her debut during the pool match against Tonga.
She hopes to be named in the starting lineup today and wants to make an impact if called on.
“If I do start, I just want to make sure we’re strong at the back, organised, calm and ready for whatever comes,” she said.
She said the team has been fine-tuning both their attack and defence heading into today’s match.
“We’ve been working on our set pieces, and just getting the basics right, defending, pressing, creating chances.”
She also praised the close bond within the Kulas squad.
“The girls have been amazing. Everyone has been welcoming and fun. We’ve really built something strong together. I’ll definitely miss them when we all go our own ways again,” she said.
Fiji’s journey so far has been full of promise, but today’s match will be their toughest test yet.
Papua New Guinea are one of the strongest women’s teams in the region and will not go down easily.
Still, Sorovakarua believes the Kulas are ready to fight.
“It’s going to be a real battle, but we’re up for it,” she said.
She is also calling on fans to show their support.
“Please come out and cheer us on, we’ll give it everything.”
