Samoa has booked its spot in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship final for the second consecutive year, and with it, a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco next year.
Juan Chang Urrea’s side has powered past the Solomon Islands 5-0 in the first semi-final in Apia, to the delight of a passionate home crowd.
From the outset, Samoa dominated possession and territory against a Solomon Islands outfit making its maiden appearance at this stage. Midfield trio Taimane Devoux, captain Breanna Kitiona, and Macey Tuiolosega dictated play, releasing attackers Cali Willis, Aaliyah Johnson, and Jayde Sagapolutele with regularity.
The breakthrough came in the 9th minute when Tuiolosega’s cross took an unfortunate deflection off Solomon Islands captain Teisika Rotoava and into the net. Johnson saw a goal ruled out for offside in the 28th minute, but moments later Kitiona doubled the advantage, heading home unmarked at the far post from a corner.
Samoa struck the woodwork before the break but took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern. In the 59th minute, Johnson latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball and slotted past goalkeeper Selestina to make it three.
Devoux then got in on the scoring act in the 69th before substitute Tova Auvaa scored the goal of the match, a powerful right footed strike in the 83rd minute to seal a commanding victory.
With qualification secured, Samoa now turns its attention to Thursday’s final, where they will face either New Zealand or New Caledonia for the title.
Solomon Islands will play the loser of this afternoon’s second semi-final for third.
Samoa 5 ( OG 10’ Breanna KITIONA 30’, Aaliyah JOHNSON 59’, Taimane DEVOUX 69’ Tova AUVAA 83’)
Solomon Islands 0
HT 2-0