Fiji Kulas edge PNG Reds 2-1 in women’s MSG Cup opener

The Fiji Kulas came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory over the Papua New Guinea Reds in the opening match of the women’s division of the 2025 MSG Prime Ministers Cup at Sir John Guise Stadium.

The PNG development side started strongly, taking an early lead through skipper Ginimmari Wambi, who found the net to give the hosts a 1–0 advantage at halftime.

However, Fiji regrouped after the break and delivered a composed second-half performance, scoring two unanswered goals to seal the comeback win.

PNG captain Wambi praised her side’s effort against a more experienced Fijian lineup.

“I’m so blessed to lead the team. We all came together to represent our country on home soil,” she said. “I was happy to score, but full credit goes to my teammates, without them I wouldn’t have done that.”

Fiji captain Jotivini Tabua said her team remained confident despite trailing at halftime.

“The girls gave their best in our first game,” Tabua said. “We didn’t manage to score in the first half, but we went back, talked about our mistakes, and came out stronger to claim the victory.”

The Kulas’ disciplined passing and organized attack proved decisive as they controlled much of the second half to secure the win.

The PNG Reds will now turn their focus to a crucial second match on Wednesday, when they face the Solomon Islands women’s national team.

Wambi said the team will use the rest day to regroup and come back stronger.

“We’ll rest and focus on our next game,” she said. “The Solomon Islands are a strong team, so we have to lift our game.”