Fiji’s women’s football team wrapped up their two-match international friendly series against the Papua New Guinea Women’s National Team (PNG WNT) with a commanding 3-1 win on Tuesday in Port Moresby, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from striker Cema Nasau.
Nasau, who also scored the equaliser in the first match that ended 1-1, continued her red-hot form by netting all three goals in the second encounter, firmly establishing herself as the spearhead of the Fijian attack.
The match began with PNG’s Marie Kaipu giving the home side an early lead, but Fiji responded before halftime through Nasau, who fired a powerful low drive past PNG goalkeeper Faith Kasiray.
Fiji returned from the break with greater intensity, and Nasau delivered two more goals to complete her hat-trick and seal the win. The 24-year-old forward, who recently signed with Eastern Suburbs FC in New Zealand, has now scored four goals in two games—a clear sign of her growing influence on the national team.
Head coach Angeline Chua praised Nasau’s leadership and confirmed she will lead the Fiji Kula at next month’s Women’s Nations Cup, which Fiji will host.
“Cema was outstanding across both matches,” Chua said. “She leads by example on and off the pitch, and her performances show she’s ready for the responsibility ahead.”
Chua also expressed gratitude to PNG for the competitive series and emphasized how valuable the matches have been in preparing her squad.
“It is a good build-up for the Nations Cup. Our players have gained a lot of experience playing against a formidable opponent,” she added. “We’ve seen our strengths and weaknesses, and these matches have allowed us to improve.”
The coach also commended goalkeeper Emily Esposito for an impressive debut performance and extended heartfelt thanks to the Fijian community in Papua New Guinea and the Fiji High Commissioner for their unwavering support.
“It meant a lot for the team to feel at home away from home. The Fijian community and the High Commission have been amazing throughout our stay,” said Chua.
As both nations now shift their focus to the 2025 OFC Women’s Nations Cup, the friendly series provided crucial insights and a solid platform to build on ahead of the region’s premier women’s football tournament.