Simran Chand 
Source: FFA
A spectacular freekick from captain Maikah Dau secured the Fiji U-16 national team a 2-1 win over Tahiti in their opening Group A match of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025.
The winning goal came with 20 minutes left on the clock when Dau unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that left the Tahiti goalkeeper with no chance. Earlier, the young Fijians started strong.
Striker Saula Muatini proved to be a constant threat, and his persistence paid off in the 20th minute.
He flicked on a freekick to set up Arnav Chand, who finished from close range to give Fiji a deserved lead.
Tahiti responded immediately and managed to get their equalizer in the 60th minute through a penalty.
Both teams then pushed for a winner, but it was Dau’s moment of brilliance that sealed the win.
Fiji will now prepare to face the Cook Islands on Wednesday, while Tahiti will take on Papua New Guinea.
