Fiji has advanced to the final of the OFC Under-16 Women’s Championship 2023 following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over hosts Tahiti.
Fiji U16 defender Adi Covunisaqa (14) clears the ball against Tahiti in the OFC Women’s U16 Championship semifinal on September 24, 2023. Photo: OFC Media
Fiji has advanced to the final of the OFC Under-16 Women’s Championship 2023 following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over hosts Tahiti.
The match ended at 2-2 but Fiji’s hero was goalkeeper Rosalain Sarahphina who stopped Maerehia Dehors attempt.
Despite Fiji’s domination of possession it was Tahiti who had the match’s opening chance, when Nora Leodolter found space on the left channel but could only slice her left-footed effort wide of Sarahphina’s post.
Showing similarly impressive pace at the other end was Fiji’s Shania Singh, who looked a constant menace any time she had the ball at her feet.
In the 16th minute she skipped past two challenges but stretched when getting her effort away and Oferina Taerea gathered well in the Tahiti goal.
Minutes later Elesi Tabunase drove into the penalty area, beating one defender being before brought down by another, leaving the referee with little option than to point to the spot. Tabunsae herself took the ball and expertly placed her penalty hard and low to the keeper’s right to give her side a 1-0 lead.
Tahiti equalised in the 40th minute when Turere Tupahururu burst onto a through ball and her low effort squirmed under the body of Sarahphina to restore parity, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Just over 10 minutes into the second-half and Fiji edged themselves in front. A free-kick from wide on the left was taken by Seruwaia Laulaba and her right-footed effort sailed over all-comers and escaped he grasp of Tarea in goal, nestling in the far corner.
Tahiti continued to push for a leveller as the clock ticked down and after great hold up play by Willany Kautai who laid it off for substitute Fetia Teikiotiu and her low effort was smahed under the body of Sarahphina to make it 2-2.
The Fijians will play the winner of the second semifinal between New Zealand and Tonga. The match was still in progress when this edition went to press last night.
DIGICEL PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
- Suva 1-2 Ba
- Nadroga 2-2 Labasa
- Rewa 2-3 Tavua
- Lautoka 4-3 Navua
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
