Labasa Women FC secured an impressive 6-0 victory over Kiwi FC in their opening game of the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League tournament in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea today.
Stella Naivalulevu who earned the player of the match award and Unaisi Tuberi scored two goals in the match.
Sofi Diyalowai kicked off the scoring spree with a remarkable individual goal. She skillfully turned her marker, sprinted 40 meters, and slid the ball past Kiwi FC goalkeeper Repeka Asofa Salele. Diyalowai’s goal is also the first-ever goal scored in the OFC Women’s Champions League.
Not long after Naivalulevu headed the ball into the net with precision to double Labasa’s lead in the 24th minute. Just before halftime, she struck again, this time with a powerful long-range shot that Salele could not deflect ensuring Labasa lead 3-0 at half-time.
Despite Labasa’s numerous opportunities to extend their lead in the second half, the resilient defense of Kiwi FC held firm until the 82nd minute when Unaisi Tuberi broke through and calmly scored with the outside of her foot.
Labasa didn’t stop there. In the closing moments of the match, Adi Vulitikoro confidently rolled the ball into the corner, converting a one-on-one situation to make it five goals for her team. Tuberi sealed the emphatic win by converting a penalty kick, adding a sixth goal to Labasa’s tally.
LABASA: Adi Tuwai (GK), Laite Matebalavu, Jotivini Tabua (C), Sonia Alfred, Aliza Hussein, Stella Naivalulevu, Fulori Sukulu, Unaisi Tuberi, Sofi Diyalowai, Shayal Sindhika, Filomena Racea
Subs: Matelita Vuakoso (GK), Vulatolu Bilitaki, Selai Nai, Adi Vulitikoro, Pateresio Nause, Viema Maramanikainawainovo, Viniana Simmons
KIWI: Repeka Asofa Salele (GK), Tatupu Tamotu Fata, Suitupe Tafafa, Evelyn Sealiimalietoa, Ileana Alatise, Vineta Faleaana (C), Asiasiga Siona, Florencina Kalifa, Sa Faavoa Esau, Hana Malo Vaga, Autaele Tafafa Taavao
Subs: Mekala Eneliko (GK), Lagimaina Akari, Leti Tamasese, Meta O’Brien, Delories Bell, June Solia
Labasa Women FC: 6 (Sofi DIYALOWAI 8’, Stella NAIVALULEVU 25’ 45+3’, Adi Vulitikoro 90′, Unaisi TUBERI 82’, 90+2′)
Kiwi FC: 0
Half-time 3-0
Labasa Women’s FC OFC Champions Leagues fixtures (All in Fiji time):
Today, June 1: Labasa Women’s FC 6-0 Kiwi FC at 2pm
Saturday, June 3: Labasa Women’s FC vs. Koloale FC at 2pm
Monday, June 5: Labasa Women’s FC vs. AS Academy Féminine at 2pm
Saturday, June 10: Labasa Women’s FC vs. Hekari United at 2pm
Photo (courtesy of OFC): Stella (Player of the match) in action during the Labasa FC game against Kiwi FC at the St John Guise Stadium in POM today.
