“We lost a great opportunity here after controlling the ball for at least 80% of the match,” said the team’s coach Iofi Lalogafuafua. “It’s just mistakes that got us, especially on that lasts 15 minutes that saw them score two goals.”
Alopua Petou finished with a hat trick to help Tuvalu earn the victory.
American Samoa suffered some injuries in the match with No. 1 goalie Nick Salapu coming out in the 87th minute down 2-0, and following his departure Tuvalu managed to sneak in two more goals to complete the game’s final tally.
The other loss is midfielder Casper Kuresa who went down with an ankle injury.
“I’m proud of their efforts out there and kudos to Tuvalu for the win,” said Football (soccer) Federation American Samoa President Iuli Alex Godinet. “Tough luck that we did not win but that’s the way the ball has rolled for us.”
The team did have its chances with striker Shalom Luani threatening with a shot on goal in the opening minute that was stopped by Tuvalu’s goalie. There were a few other chances by American Samoa but the shots were wide of the goal.
American Samoa enjoyed good possession but could never use it to their advantage as they kept giving the ball away in the midfield from time to time.
“Only four mistakes from this game we need to iron out for the next match and that’s the attacking with the ball because we kept forcing it,” Lalogafuafua pointed out.
“And we need to be quicker on the ball more during throw-ins and free kicks because we gave Tuvalu time to set up. All Tuvalu did in the second half was defend but when they attacked our defenders made two crucial mistakes that led to those two quick goals in the game’s last 15 minutes.”
The women’s team were in attendance and will play on August 29 (Aug. 28, local time) against Papua New Guinea.
The men will play on August 30 (August 29, local time) against the Solomon Islands and were the only team from the territory to compete. The opening ceremony kicks off later in the evening and most of the other sports’ competitions start on Monday, August 29.
“I am glad that there were no serious injuries and hope to do better in our next match,” said FFAS’ CEO and soccer’s contingent team manager Tavita Taumua. “With the men’s first game out of the way we now turn our attention to the women’s first match this coming Monday.”