Vanuatu leave it late, fall short against Fiji in crucial OFC Nations Women's Cup match

Vanuatu have defeated Fiji in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup in Suva but missed out on a place in the knockout stages of the competition.

Vanuatu's situation was clear: to move on to the semi-finals, they needed to win by at least two goals, especially after the Solomon Islands had already secured a major victory (5-0) against Tonga.

Fiji only needed a draw to finish at the top of their group.

The game started on a high note for Vanuatu as Trina Davis rejoined the starting lineup and showed her speed right away.

But the mood changed when Vanuatu's captain, Jotivini Tabua, was sent off early in the match for a foul, leaving her team with just 10 players.

Leimata Simon, known for her goal-scoring abilities, managed to score for Vanuatu with a fantastic shot in the 31st minute, giving them a 1-0 lead.

She spotted Fiji’s goalkeeper, Emily Esposito, too far from her goal and took advantage of the situation with a well-aimed shot into the top corner.

As the first half came to an end, Fiji nearly equalised with a powerful shot from Nasau that went just above the crossbar.

Both teams had chances to score in the second half, but neither could find the back of the net again.

Ileen Pegi, of the Solomon Islands, takes on the Tongan defence during their OFC Women’s Nations Cup match in Suva. The Solomons won 5-0. Photo/Kirk Corrie/Phototek

Davis had a strong opportunity, but Vanuatu's goalkeeper, Amelia Reddy, was quick to block her attempt.

In the final minutes of the game, Vanuatu received a free kick, giving them one last shot at scoring.

But Henriette Sangul’s free kick went far over the goal, sealing Vanuatu's fate.

Despite being a player up for most of the match, Fiji could not secure the goals they needed.

Fiji, while relieved to have held onto their lead, now have to prepare for a challenging semi-final against the defending champions, Papua New Guinea, on Wednesday.

The Solomon Islands topped Group B and will face Sāmoa in the other semi-final.

Vanuatu will compete against Tahiti for the fifth-place spot, and Tonga will play the Cook Islands for seventh place.