It was Cook Islands who enjoyed pole position going into day eight but a 1-0 loss to Group B opponents Fiji meant they were edged out on goal difference by Tonga, who had earlier drawn 0-0 with Guam.
Meanwhile defending champions Papua New Guinea beat Solomon Islands 1-0 to claim nine points, one short of Group A winners New Caledonia, who are the only women’s team in the competition yet to taste defeat.
As the hosts enjoyed a bye, Tahiti gave themselves every chance of advancing with a 4-0 win over American Samoa but needed other results to go their way. The Vahine Ura eventually finished third on seven points ahead of the Solomon Islands on three and American Samoa, who lost all four of their matches.
But the day belonged to Fiji, who showed plenty of fighting spirit to pick up their second win of the tournament and continue their improvement since a 2-1 opening loss to Tonga.
The Fijians started strongly against Cook Islands and went ahead after just six minutes when Stella Naiavalulevu’s cross-come-shot sailed over a leaping Marjorie Toru.
Cook Islands hit back in the second half with wave after wave of attack but Usenio Logaivou’s side kept their discipline and were led well at the back by centre half Renee Biautubu and goalkeeper Matelita Vuakoso.
It was heartbreak for Cook Islands, who were hoping to emulate their strong showing at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup last year when they finished third. Fiji could only manage seventh at the same event and were therefore not expected to be amongst the semi-finalists at New Caledonia 2011.
Two-time Pacific Games champions Papua New Guinea were also impressive as 38-year-old Miriam Lanta led the way with a 47-minute winner against the Solomon Islands.
Tahiti ensured there was one lopsided score line of the day with goals to Adriana Frelin, Heimiri Alvarez, Ninauea Hioe and Tiere Apo in their match against American Samoa which boiled over at the final whistle as both teams let out their frustrations.
A goalless draw was good enough for a physical Tonga side while Guam were left with the wooden spoon in Group B on two points.
The semi-finals will be held on Wednesday and will see a game take place outside of the Nouméa region for the first time. Fiji will meet Papua New Guinea at Stade PLGC in Nouméa but New Caledonia and Tonga will travel to take on each other at Stade Yoshida in Kone.