Cook Islands top Group C after win over Solomon Islands at OFC U-19 Women’s Championship

(Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek)

The Cook Islands have beaten the Solomon Islands 1-0 in the final Group C match at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Fiji.

In a match spanning more than 120 minutes due to a first half power cut at the HFC Bank Stadium, which halted play for 30 minutes, the Cook Islands had on balance the better chances and deserved the win.

15 minutes into the first half the lights went out. When play eventually resumed neither side really settled into any rhythm and both goalkeepers were kept relatively quiet.

Things livened up after the break however when from a 49^th minute corner Te Upoko Tuariki rose high and glanced a header into the corner of the Solomon Islands net. But chances were few and far between. The Cook islands were sound defensively and have yet to concede a goal in two games at the tournament.

Naomi Siriongo made a committed save in the Solomon Islands goal to deny Tuariki in the 58^th minute and although Salome Masi had a powerful right foot effort from an acute angle go across the goal with 25 minutes remaining, the Solomon Islands couldn’t test Kimberly Uini in the Cook Islands goal.

The Cook Islands victory sees Tuka Tisam’s side top Group C ahead of the Solomon Islands and Tahiti with all three teams progressing to the quarterfinals.

Solomon Islands     0

Cook Islands            1       (Te Upoko TUARIKI 49’)

HT: 0-0