If she hadn’t already done enough to secure the award through the first three games, where Samoa conceded just eight goals, Ah Sui made sure of it with a stellar showing against champions New Zealand on the final day.
At a tournament where New Zealand were prolific in attack Samoa’s 10-0 loss to them on Match Day 5 was the lowest managed by any team, and their goalkeeper stood out as a major reason why.
Throughout the 90 minutes Ah Sui blocked a number of booming shots from close range, while also showcasing good reactions and bravery to make a handful of double-saves at the feet of looming New Zealand strikers.
“I feel very happy to have won this award, but this is for my country and the Football Federation Samoa for all their support,” Ah Sui says.
“This is my fourth year as a keeper and I have hopes of playing for my country at senior level one day soon.
“But to do that I have to keep improving things like my diving and also my reactions to what is going on around me.”
The tournament at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa was 17-year-old Ah Sui’s first experience representing her country.
On the way to finishing in second position Samoa drew two games, won one and lost one, finishing with the competition’s second-best defensive record with 18 goals against.
Ah Sui said her biggest personal challenge came against the New Zealand side who contained all of the tournament’s top five goal scorers.
“New Zealand was the hardest to play against because of their ball control and the power they shoot with,” she says.
“They make you stay on your feet and have to dive late because their control is so good.
“But to be here representing Samoa has been amazing and it has been great hanging out with the girls, everyone is pretty cool and I have enjoyed it.”
Other awards to the be given out at the conclusion of the tournament saw New Zealand captain Jasmine Pereira awarded the Golden Ball and teammate Emma Rolston win the Golden Boot.
Host nation Tonga won the Fair Play Award.

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