Cook Islands are one step closer to advancing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers after a determined 1-0 win over Tahiti at the CIFA Academy.

Tahiti dominated possession for most of the match and created several promising opportunities, but a resilient Cook Islands defence kept them at bay. The deadlock was finally broken in the 79th minute when Daniella Casey Poila, who had been pressing relentlessly upfront, pounced on a rebound to fire past the keeper and secure the decisive goal.

From kick-off, Tahiti pressed high, moving the ball quickly and testing Cook Islands goalkeeper Rianna Pepe. Pepe was exceptional, producing several key saves to keep her team in the match.

Up front, Tahiti’s Kiani Wong, Charlotte Rodriguez, and Haranui Le Gayic worked tirelessly to find the net, with Wong and Rodriguez taking the majority of the shots, but the Cook Islands defence remained organised and difficult to break down.

Cook Islands stayed compact at the back while threatening on the counterattack. Ally Toailoa and Deja Pareta worked hard to win the ball and transition it forward, while Rouru created multiple chances before finally finding the net. Her persistence and composure under pressure proved decisive, as she continued to challenge Tahiti’s defence even after initial attempts went wide.

Tahiti fielded 11 players from their OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 squad plus two U-19 promotions, while Cook Islands welcomed back 15 players from the OFC Women’s Nations Cup squad and one U-19 inclusion. The teams had previously drawn 1-1 at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025, but with higher stakes in this qualifier, Cook Islands showed more composure in key moments.

After the break, rain poured onto the pitch, making conditions tricky. Both teams hunted for a breakthrough, with Cook Islands gradually creating better opportunities. Rouru’s well-placed crosses and shots kept Tahiti on edge, while Pepe continued to repel Tahiti’s attacks. The decisive moment came when Hetherington fired a long-range shot that was deflected, allowing Rouru to pounce and score.

With this result, Cook Islands move on to face American Samoa, with the winner moving on to Round two of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers, while Tahiti will play Tonga in an international friendly.

HT: 0-0

Tahiti: 

Cook Islands: 1 (Tearoa ROURU 79′)

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek