The Mini Kulas are through to the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 semi-finals after edging the Solomon Islands 4-3 in a thrilling Group A match in Honiara.
Varanisese Naiqarau scored twice in the first half, while an own goal gave Fiji a 3-1 lead at half-time.
The Solomon Islands pulled one back early in the second half before Temalesi Masa scored Fiji’s fourth, with the hosts adding another late in the match.
The victory sees Fiji join New Zealand in the semi-finals and keeps alive the Mini Kulas’ dream of qualifying for their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Player Torika Boseiwaqa says she is happy with the achievement and thanked the Almighty for giving the team strength and the opportunity to win.
Boseiwaqa also revealed that her elder sister and Fiji Kulas representative, Sereana Naweni, inspired her to play football from a young age.
She says she hopes to one day be like her sister.
With two Group B matches still to be played, Fiji will face the Group B winner in the second semi-final next Wednesday at 8pm, while defending champions New Zealand will meet the Group B runner-up in the first semi-final at 5pm.
The final will be played at 8pm next Saturday.
The winner and runner-up will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027.
Source: Oceania Football Confederation
