Tahiti are setting their sights high on a historic semi-final berth at the  upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji, with head coach Xavier Samin confident his side can challenge the region’s top teams.

Drawn in a Group A alongside defending champions Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Cook Islands, Tahiti face  a tough path to the knockout stages-but one they are embracing with determination and ambition.

This will be Tahiti’s fourth appearance at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup. The team made history in 2022 by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, following earlier campaigns in 2010 and 2014. It marked a major milestone for the women’s programme and set a platform for future success.

Now, Samin believes his squad can take another step forward.

“Given the team we have, the first objective is to finish in the top two. That would mean reaching the semi-finals,” said Samin.

“If we reach the semi-finals—whether we finish second or first in the group—that would already be a great result for us in Tahiti. So, the primary objective is the semi-finals.”

Tahiti substitute Ranihei Nui tries to find an equaliser. OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022, Tahiti v Solomon Islands, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji, Saturday 24 July 2022. Photo: Jackie Tran Van / www.phototek.nz

With the local domestic competition in full swing, most players are balancing club commitments, but Samin remains closely connected to their progress.

“At the moment, I have a bit of a hard time getting the girls together,” he admitted. “Fortunately, we have the domestic championship where they train well with their clubs and play matches every weekend. That allows me to monitor them too.”

Tahiti open their campaign against the Cook Islands on July 4, followed by a clash with Papua New Guinea—one of the tournament favourites—on July 7, before rounding out group play against Samoa on July 10.

Samin is well aware of the challenge ahead.

“We have opponents like Papua New Guinea, who are one of the favourites in the senior category. Samoa has made good progress recently, and the Cook Islands are a brave, strong team. We really have to play our game well to get past them.”

With growing excitement back home, Samin issued a message to Tahiti supporters:

“Stand behind the national team. We’d really love for the supporters to get behind Tahiti’s national team for this tournament.”

Fixtures

V Cook Islands | 4th July, 12PM local time

V Papua New Guinea | 7th July, 3PM local time

V Samoa | 10th July, 12PM local time