The Digicel Fiji Kula women’s football side made a good start to the Olympic Football Tournament- Oceania Qualifier in Apia, Samoa yesterday.
The Angeline Chua-coached side thumped American Samoa 10-nil in its opening match. Striker Sofi Diyalowai scored a hat-trick inside 14 minutes for the Fijians who were dominant from the outset.
The American Samoans were starved of possession but when Fiji’s attack did break down, Morgan Patea looked dangerous with silky footwork every time she touched the ball.
Nippy midfielder Cema Nasau and Koleta Likuculacula added a goal each before half-time as Fiji led 5-nil at the break.
Nasau added her second 13 minutes into the second half before Preeya Singh got on the scoresheet with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Kasanita Tabua increased Fiji’s lead further in between Nasau and Singh’s goals. Nasau completed her hat-trick 14 minutes from full time.
Captain Unaisi Tuberi completed the scoring deep into injury time with the ball squeezing through the legs of Destiny Kapisi in the American Samoa goal.
Nasau was later named player of the match.
“I want to thank the players for giving their 101 per cent for our first game today.
We have been preparing well for the past four weeks for this tournament and a big thank you to the girls for managing the win,” she said.
Fiji plays Papua New Guinea in its next match at 2pm on Saturday. Fiji goals: Sofi Diyalowai(3), Cema Nasau(3), Koleta Likuculacula, Kasanita Tabua, Preeya Singh, Unaisi Tuberi.
