Fiji scored a stoppage time equaliser to draw 2-2 with Samoa at the Oceania Under 19 Women's Football Championship, in a performance dedicated to their former teammate Francine Lockington.
The goalkeeper died in Lautoka at the weekend following an illness, having been forced to withdraw from the squad shortly before the team departed Fiji.
Francine Lockington (in red) with her U-17 Fiji teammates in 2016. Photo: Oceania Football
Cema Nasau opened the scoring for Fiji nine minutes into the second half before Samoa struck twice in two minutes to take the lead just after the hour mark.
Fiji were reduced to 10 players when Mereoni Tora received a second yellow card and appeared headed for defeat until captain Luisa Tamanitoakula found the back of the net with a free kick from well outside the box to earn a late equaliser.
Fiji's Cema Nasau opened the scoring. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Fiji coach Saroj Kumar said it was an emotional afternoon.
"Francine was our number one goalkeeper and when they came here to the ground on the bus, normally our team comes in singing but today they came in crying for Francine," he said.
"The game was dedicated to Francine. All the games that we play from today are for Francine.
"At first we were down because of what has happened. The girls were crying when they went inside the changing room at half-time. We tried to psych them up and boost up their morale.
"We were playing for heart. We did well. Even with a player down they showed the guts to come back and played even better than the first half."
Fiji captain Luisa Tamanitoakula scored a stoppage time equaliser. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Meanwhile, New Zealand continue to set the pace in the Auckland tournament after thrashing New Caledonia 12-0 to make it three straight wins.
And Papua New Guinea came from behind to secure a 4-1 win over Tonga.
