The Digicel Fiji Women’s soccer team is through to the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup after beating Cook Islands 2-0 in the quarter-finals this afternoon.
The Kulas proved too strong for Cook Islands where they dominated possession and territory.
Captain, Sofi Diyalowai scored the first goal through a sublime finish from inside Cook Islands penalty box in the 21st minute.
Players like Cema Nasau, Koleta Likuculacula and Trina Davies worked tirelessly in attack to increase Fiji’s lead however they went to the sheds with a slender 1-0 lead.
Fiji’s coach, Lisa Cole made a tactical change in the second half where she replaced top striker Vanisha Kumar with Luisa Tamanitoakula.
This worked wonders as Tamanitoakula found the back of the net in the 73rd minute with a great follow up.
Cole says it was important to get the second goal and they are now looking forward to the semis.
She says they have been overwhelmed with the support.
Cema Nasau was named player of the match.
She has thanked the fans for continuous support. Nasau says she is proud of her achievements so far. She says they are just executing the game plan set by their coach.
Fiji will now play the winner of Tahiti and Solomon Islands match in the second semi-final at 7.30pm on Wednesday. Samoa will face Papua New Guinea in the first semi-final at 4.30pm.
The final will be played at 7pm on Saturday.
The winner of the Women's Nations Cup will qualify for the inter-confederation playoff for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The playoff will be played in New Zealand next year.
The inter-confederation playoffs will determine the final three qualification spots for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
It will feature 10 teams from 6 confederations split into three groups, with the winner of each group qualifying for the Women's World Cup.
| Cook Islands kick off the first half | ||||
| 2nd Cema Nasau's shot goes wide from inside Cook Islands penalty box | ||||
| 6th Cema Nasau's powerful drive hits the woodwork, Fiji miss a golden opportunity | ||||
| 12th Cema Nasau fouled just outside Cook Islands box | ||||
| 15th Cook Islands sustaining immense pressure and have given away two free kicks so far | ||||
| 21st GOAL Sofi Diyalowai with a sublime finish from inside Cook Islands penalty box | ||||
| 28th Koleta Likuculacula with blistering speed beats a few defenders however Fiji fail to capitalise | ||||
| 40th Trina Davies comes in with a long range effort which goes wide | ||||
| Fiji kick off second half | ||||
| 47th Fiji survive a major scare after Fiji's goalkeeper Seruwala Vasuitoga misjudged a cross | ||||
| 58th Vanisha Kumar misses from point-blank range | ||||
| 69th Attempt by Trina Davies goes wide as Fiji miss yet another chance to increase lead | ||||
| 73rd GOAL Super-sub Luisa Tamanitoakula with a great follow up finds the back of the net | ||||
| FINAL whistle goes, Fiji beats Cook Islands 2-0 | ||||
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