Fiji Kulas have made a powerful start to their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifying campaign, delivering a commanding 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba.
Runners-up in the past two OFC FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualifying campaigns, the Fiji Kulas entered the tournament with high expectations — and they wasted no time showing their intent.
Four first-half goals put the result beyond doubt before the break, as Fiji overwhelmed a New Caledonian side competing in senior OFC competition for the first time since 2022.
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Trina Davis capitalised on a rebound from goalkeeper Prescilla Maillot. Sofi Diyalowai doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, again reacting quickest inside the penalty area after another rebound.
Diyalowai then turned provider, splitting the New Caledonian defence with a precise pass for Cema Nasau to slot home Fiji’s third in the 36th minute. The midfielder capped off an outstanding first-half performance by scoring her second goal in stoppage time (45+4’), giving Fiji a 4-0 lead at halftime.
While New Caledonia tightened up defensively in the second half, Fiji remained in control. Substitute Sonia Alfred added the finishing touch in the 74th minute, powering home a header from a corner as rain began to fall in Ba.
The emphatic victory also marked the first competitive win for new head coach Nicola Demaine, providing the perfect foundation for Fiji’s qualifying campaign.
Earlier in the day, Papua New Guinea also recorded a 5-0 win over Vanuatu, setting up a highly anticipated Group B clash between Fiji and PNG on Monday in Ba. Meanwhile, New Caledonia will face Vanuatu as the group stage continues.