Host nation Samoa has become the first team to secure a place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship following an impressive 4-0 victory over Fiji in Group A action in Apia.
The win, Samoa’s second in as many matches, cements a top four place for Juan Chang Urrea’s side with one group match still to play. Attention now shifts to Thursday’s fixture between Fiji and New Caledonia, which will decide the second semi-finalist from the group. Fiji holds the advantage, requiring only a draw to progress due to a superior goal difference, while New Caledonia must claim all three points to advance.
From the opening whistle, Samoa controlled proceedings and dictated the tempo. Midfielders Brielle Tautua and Macy Tuiolosega orchestrated play with authority, stifling Fiji’s efforts to gain any meaningful possession. The Fijian side was left chasing shadows for much of the match and struggled to mount any real attacking threat.
Despite Samoa’s dominance, it took a goalkeeping error to break the deadlock. In the 36th minute, a curling free kick from Tuiolosega on the left wing was misjudged by Fiji goalkeeper Melania Keresoni, who failed to make contact as the ball drifted into the corner of the net.
Jayde Sagapolutele was a constant menace down the right flank, delivering a series of accurate crosses that deserved better finishes. Cali Willis and Tautua both missed clear-cut chances in the first half, and Aaliyah Johnson squandered a golden opportunity, heading wide in the second.
Samoa finally doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Ayres Ava reacted quickest at the near post from a corner to slot home and the result was sealed in the 70th minute with a brilliant individual effort from Johnson, who more than made up for her earlier miss, drilling a who drilled a powerful shot past Keresoni from a tight angle. In the final minute, Tuiolosega unleashed a bullet from outside the box that will be an early contender for goal of the tournament, to round off a stunning performance to the delight of the vocal home support.
The victory not only books Samoa’s place in the semi-finals but also confirms the elimination of their next opponent, Tahiti, from contention.
SAMOA 4 (Macey TUIOLOSEGA 36’ 90′, Ayres AVA 58’ Aaliyah JOHNSON 70’)
FIJI 0
HT: 1-0