Tahiti have closed out their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship campaign on a high, defeating American Samoa 2-0 in the 7th-place play-off in Apia.
With the stakes high, the loser bound for next year’s Qualifying tournament and the winner retaining Championship status, Tahiti struck early. In the 10th minute, Anikua Nekrouf swivelled inside the box before firing a crisp left-footed shot into the net.
American Samoa thought they had equalised in the 24th minute when captain Maryjane Laina bundled the ball home, but the effort was ruled out after a collision with Tahiti goalkeeper Kalea Torohia, earning Laina a yellow card.
Just before half-time, Anaiyah Vee broke into the Tahiti box, but her effort lacked the power to trouble Torohia.
The second half began with drama as Tahiti had a strong penalty appeal waved away by referee Jerethy George of Vanuatu. Moments later, American Samoa came close from a pair of dangerous corners, only for the Tahiti defence to hold firm.
Tahiti’s second came in the 55th minute when Ravanui Warren unleashed a stunning long-range strike that deceived goalkeeper Leila Salausa. From there, American Samoa pressed for a way back but struggled to create clear chances, leaving Torohia largely untroubled.
Tahiti 2 (Anikua NEKROUF 10’ Ravanui WARREN 55’)
American Samoa 0
HT 1-0