After a heavy defeat at the hands of Papua New Guinea, Fiji were keen to overturn their luck and secure their first points. Cook Islands on the other hand were fresh from the plane; ready, willing and able to play.
The Cook Islanders wasted no time in getting down to business as captain Liz Harmon found the back of the net in the 10th minute from a corner. Both teams were looking impressive on the ball and their passing game was strong but so was each side’s reading of the play, which led to a number of intercepts.
First half substitute Helena Ngauora was impressive. Some of her opponents towered over her but she stood strong to the pressure and proved a wily member of the squad with her ability to nip around opponents.
In the second half Fiji upped the pressure and were unlucky a number of times as they shot just over or around the goal mouth. Their persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute when a long range effort from Sofi Diyalowai floated in behind Majorie Toru in goal for Cook Islands.
Cook Islands kept pushing for a goal that would see them pull back ahead of their opponents but it wasn’t to be.
“The girls fought, we’ll take the one point but the next game will be tough for us if we want to get into the next stage,” Cook Islands coach Tuka Tisam says.
“I thought the girls played really hard and we could have got the win, but unfortunately that’s how the game goes.”
Fiji coach Charlene Lockington believes her side were equally capable of getting a win today, but like Tisam will take the point.
“I wanted a win but it’s how the game goes. The finishing was poor but the team played well, better than they did against PNG. They were more settled, and we kept our formation well. Cook Islands are a good team, and now we’re looking forward to whatever happens for the qualifiers.”
Tonga got a shock to their system after losing 1-0 to Samoa in their opening match and Lui Muavesi’s side were determined not to let the same thing happen twice.
With captain Penateti Feke leading the charge the side put pressure on the Solomon Islands from the outset. But Merina Joe, Janise Onika, Cathy Aihunu and their teammates had other plans. Keeping the ball low they played their way through the middle, but their final passes looking for the frontline finishers were lacking allowing Tonga to consistently counter-attack.
Tonga’s constant pressure was bound to pay off eventually and it finally did in the 57th when Mele Soakai powered the ball past Solomon Islands goalkeeper Betty Sade. Solomon Islands tried to pull themselves back into the mix but were repeatedly denied by Tangamausia Maafu in goal for Tonga. The search for an equaliser left the Solomon Islands vulnerable at the back to the point that Mele Akolo was able to fire in a winner in the fourth minute of additional time.
“In the second half we put more people up front for scoring opportunities, to break the difference,” Feke says.
“I think Solomon Islands had so many chances but they just didn’t put them on target. I think we had many chances too, but managed to get two goals. What we need to work on for the next game is to make sure more of the shots are on target.”
Two of the winners on Match Day 1 met in the final game of the day on Bisini Field 2, New Caledonia and Samoa. The last time these two sides met in this competition was eight years ago in Samoa, when the then hosts won 2-0. Four years ago the games were held in New Caledonia and the Francophones weren’t given a chance at revenge as Samoa didn’t compete. However despite Samoa’s favourable record, as defending silver medallists New Caledonia came into the match as favourites, a tag Rosei Leota and her teammates weren’t having a bar of.
Kelsey Kapisi left the largely Caledonian crowd in shock when she opened the scoring in the 2nd minute after capitalising on some defensive confusion. Not to be outdone, New Caledonia fired back through speedy wide attacker Myranda Rabah five minutes later.
The fast-paced match showed no signs of slowing down and in the 21st minute Lusia Ioane handed the lead back to Samoa much to their opponent’s dismay. The back and forth continued and New Caledonia seemingly had the better of chances for the remainder of the half but Faanunu Ropeti was having the game of her life in goal for Samoa and constantly shut down the threat. However just as the first half was winding down Christelle Wahnawe boosted herself to the top of the women’s goalscoring table with her fourth of the competition.
The frenetic pace of the first half continued after the break and it looked like New Caledonia might get the break they so desperately wanted when Myranda Rabah was brought down in the Samoa penalty area. Rabah opted to take the resulting penalty herself and it was head in hands after she sent it outside the upright.
There were plenty more chances for the Caledonians, and a few close calls at the other end, but despite the best efforts of both sides another goal was not forthcoming leaving them deadlocked at two apiece.
Samoa coach Tala Salamasina was incredibly proud of his side and the result they got on the field.
“I’ve worked very hard with the girls, the entire management team have worked hard with them too. We’re here for a reason, we want to achieve something and I think that’s what we’ve done today.
“To hold New Caledonia to a draw is a big deal for us in Samoa. I’m sure it’s a result that will make coaches and young players take notice and work hard for the future of Samoan football.”
New Caledonia midfielder Aurelie Lalie says her side are of course disappointed, but won’t be putting their heads down just yet.
“We still have a third match to play here and we know that we have to do well. As a team, we’re altogether in the same aim, there’s a good spirit in camp and we’re determined to do well and have fun too.”
The XV Pacific Games/OFC Olympic Qualifier continues on Friday 10 July with the Olympic Qualifier Semi-Finals in Men’s Football Tournament. The Women’s Football Tournament returns on Saturday 11 July with the final round of group play at Bisini Sports Complex.

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