The squads have been named and the teams are arriving in Fiji ahead of Friday’s kick-off to the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Qualifier at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The four participating nations include hosts Fiji, Solomon Islands, American Samoa and Vanuatu – four nations hoping to out-do each other and claim a place in the final tournament of the region’s premier women’s competition in November.
Of the competing teams, the most recent competitive action for three of them was at last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.
The hosts won the gold medal after beating Fiji 2-1 in the final, having earlier drawn nil-all during pool play.
Solomon Islands had to make do with fourth place after beating beaten 1-0 by Tonga, who took the Bronze medal home at their expense.
The unknown quantity is certainly American Samoa, who are being coached by the national men’s coach Larry Mana’o. The squad features four players who appeared in last year’s OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, along with a number of USA-based players including three of Mana’o’s daughters and a niece.
To view the team lists click here: Official Team Lists of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2018 (QS).