THE Fiji Junior Kulas began their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship campaign with a strong 4-0 win over Tahiti at the Samoa Football headquarters in Apia yesterday.
Playing under hot conditions, the Baby Kulas made an early impact with captain Teonila Levuiciva scoring in the 11th minute. She had two earlier attempts ruled out—one for offside and the other for handball but kept her composure to finish off a good team move.
Tahiti showed some threat on the counterattack, with Ravahei Chaulet finding space on the left wing and midfielder Merahi Brothers standing out with her strong tackles and passing.
Fiji’s wingers, especially Zyna Nisha, kept the pressure on Tahiti’s defence, linking well with Levuiciva throughout the first half. Despite the pressure, Tahiti stayed in the game and tried to play long balls over the top.
Just before halftime, Fiji doubled their lead when Adi Reva scored from close range in added time, giving her side a 2-0 advantage at the break.
Tahiti came back fighting in the second half, creating some chances through set-pieces, but Fiji’s defence stayed solid. Goalkeeper and defenders handled the pressure well.
In the 62nd minute, Fiji earned a penalty, which Kalisi Dama calmly converted to make it 3-0. Substitute Akanisi Katonitabua added the final goal in injury time to seal a dominant win for coach Marika Rodu’s side.
