American Samoa have recorded a stunning 1-0 win over current OFC Women’s Nations Cup holders Solomon Islands, in Group A action in Round 2 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers.
The result follows on from American Samoa’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualifying win last November, Alayna Fuamatu-Ma’afala scoring the decisive goal at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Appearing in the second stage of FIFA Women’s World Cup ™ qualifying for the first time after winning the Round 1 phase, American Samoa played the better football against their more-fancied opponents in a goalless first half. Their attacking trio of Ionare Ve’e, Morgan Patea, and Atianna Ma’afala, all had chances but failed to capitalise.
The breakthrough was to come in the second half, Mia Toeina cutting the ball back for Alayna Fuamatu-Ma’afala to score her second goal of the qualifying campaign in the 56th minute, and put American Samoa ahead.
Morgan Patea came close to doubling American Samoa’s lead shortly after the first goal, but hit the crossbar on her right foot as the Solomon Islands struggled to recuperate.
Despite being the current continental champions, Solomon Islands struggled to impose themselves on the contest and the final whistle brought wild celebrations from Amanda Cromwell and her American Samoa side.
Solomon Islands: 0
American Samoa: 1 (Alayna FUAMATU-MA’AFALA 56’)
HT: 0-0
Earlier in the day, a first-half hat-trick from Kelli Brown set New Zealand on their way to an opening day win over Samoa in Round 2 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers in Honiara.
The qualification favourites were dominant for much of the 90 minutes and took only 35 seconds to open the scoring when Brown converted from long range.
Samoa worked tirelessly to hold out and were well organised in their defensive shape, as they spent considerable time camped in their own half.
Brown added a second with a low finish following a corner kick, before completing her hat-trick shortly before half-time with an excellent driven effort past Angelique Tuisamoa from inside the area.
Samoa were markedly improved in the second period and it took until the 65th minute for the Kiwis to add a fourth – captain Katie Kitching sliding under the onrushing Tuisamoa from six yards out.
Charlotte Lancaster came off the bench for New Zealand and her cross late on was inadvertently turned in by Georgia Aiesi to make it 5-0, before Mania Elliot added a sixth soon after.
Elliot grabbed a second as the match headed towards stoppage time, with Deven Jackson completing the scoring with seconds remaining.
Group A action resumes on Monday in Honiara, when American Samoa play neighbours Samoa, and New Zealand face the Solomon Islands.
New Zealand: 8 (Kelli BROWN 1′, 14′, 38′, Katie KITCHING 65′, Own Goal 81′, Manaia ELLIOT 83′, 90′, Deven JACKSON 90+6′)
Samoa: 0
HT: 3-0