Fiji and New Zealand are through to the final of the OFC Women's Nations Cup football competition after big wins against Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Despite Fiji's early dominance, Papua New Guinea struck first with Meagen Gunemba finishing off a swift counter-attack in the ninth minute in Mare.
American-based striker Trina Davis equalised before Luisa Tamanitoakula put Fiji 2-1 in front just before the hour mark.
Trina Davis scored twice for Fiji. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Goalkeeper Betty Sam kept PNG in the game, saving Cema Nasau's penalty attempt in the 34th minute to keep the deficit to one goal at half-time.
Lakatois captain Sandra Birum did her best to find an equaliser but her long range effort was denied by the woodwork early in the second spell.
17-year-old Trina Davis then finished off a stunning solo effort to extend Fiji's lead to 3-1 before Nasau made amends for her first half penalty miss and Sofi Diyalowai got on the scoresheet to make it 5-1, putting the result beyond doubt and Fiji into its first ever Nations Cup final.
Fiji coach Marika Rodu said his team was only getting better.
"Our structure is still young but to see these girls come out and prove themselves here in the region is quite amazing," he said.
"Secondly coming out of the qualification stage, we didn't expect to come all this way but now we are in this position we just want to give the glory back to God.
"Thanks a lot to the players, their families back at home also to my support staff who are here with me."
Cema Nasau scored in the second half to make up for a penalty miss. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Rodu said the decision to rest nine front-line players from their final group match against New Zealand paid off in the semi final.
"We had to play our cards right. We didn't have the luxury of having the technical abilities the New Zealand players have - they have two teams and we don't and that's the the difference that made today," he said.
"Our players stepped up and really put on the game the second half to see that we didn't just win but win convincingly."
Fiji celebrate reaching the OFC Women's Nations Cup final for the first time. Photo: OFC via Phototek
After winning all their pool games, PNG coach Peter Gunemba admitted he was surprised by the result.
"Congratulations to Fiji for a very good performance and I would also like to congratulate my girls for coming through to the semi-final," he said.
"There were lots of things that were not ready before we came but we just want to thank God for bringing us this far.
"I didn't expect the girls to play that bad today but it didn't happen according to my game plan, the way I wanted them to play. But they did their best to compete in the game."
Betty Sam saved a first-half penalty to keep PNG in the game. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Over on Lifou, New Zealand midfielder Betsy Hassett opened the scoring in the first minute as New Zealand scored seven first half goals in a crushing 8-0 win over hosts New Caledonia.
Emma Rolston netted the first goal of her hat-trick in the seventh minute, scoring twice more in the first half including a stunning lob from distance that had goalkeeper Lorenza Hnamano well-beaten.
Katie Bowen, Paige Satchell and Rosie White also got on the scoresheet and coach Tom Sermanni was full of praise after another professional display from the defending champions.
"I'm delighted again, especially from the way we started," he said.
"I think that's what's been a highlight for us - that we've started games really well and have been fortunate to score early goals and that's taken the pressure off us."
Betsy Hassett opened the scoring in the first minute. Photo: Avikash Chand / OFC Media
New Caledonia coach Kamali Fitialeata was expecting a tough match but felt the first half wasn't up to the standard he expected from his players.
"We knew they were a good team. The first half, not great but the second half we were more in position," he said.
"We were more comfortable and we tried to show what we were capable of but the team opposite us is a big machine which is hard to contend with."
Emma Rolston netted a first-half hat-trick. Photo: Avikash Chand / OFC Media
Fitialeata said nerves potentially got the better of his players against a team that is ranked 20th in the world and overwhelming favourites to win a fourth straight regional title.
"They were a bit nervous, the block was far too high and the space in behind was free for New Zealand to exploit and that hurt us but this kind of competition will help us grow. We'll learn, and we'll keep trying to learn," he said.
"Already it's a good thing to have qualified for the semi-finals. It's not quite over yet we need to remain prepared and ready for our final challenge (in the playoff for third place) on Saturday, and concentrate on this next objective."
The winner of Saturday's grand final will qualify for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.
