Samoa proved too strong for Vanuatu in the end and won 1-0. Photo: OFC/Phototek
Samoa gave their home fans something to cheer about on Wednesday when they defeated Vanuatu 1-0 in their opening pool match at the OFC Women's Olympic Qualifier in Apia.
With seconds left on the clock, Leah Manuleleua was presented with the perfect opportunity to secure the win for her side from the penalty spot after Vanuatu's Limas Erikan took out substitute Sariah Taeaoalii in the box.
Manulelua made no mistake, lashing the ball into the corner for a crucial victory for the host side.
The Samoans joined Fiji and New Zealand as Day One winners while neighbours Papua New Guinea and the Solomon islands fought to a 1-all draw.
Samoa and New Zealand will meet up in the tournament while Fiji will also have to take care of PNG and the Solomons.
Samoan featured three sisters on the field, with goalkeeper Xeyana Salanoa, Xevani Salanoa and Xehlia Salanoa all having game time.
While Vanuatu tried hard to break the stubborn Samoan defense at the FF Football grounds, the hosts stood their grounds and came back with the winning goal in the dying minutes of extra time.
Action from the Fiji vs American Samoa game in Apia on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Fiji won 10-0. Photo: OFC/Phototek
Fiji scores 10 goals
The opening game of the day saw Fiji totally dominate against American Samoa to run out winners in the Group A match.
The Kula girls led 5-0 at halftime with striker Sofi Diyalowai scoring a hat-trick inside 15 minutes.
Cema Nasau also scored a hat-trick in the match.
Nasau told OFC after the game they were happy to have claimed the win.
The American Samoans were starved of possession but when Fiji's attack did break down, Morgan Patea looked dangerous with silky footwork every time she touched the ball.
Battling for possession as PNG faced off against the Solomon Islands in Apia. Photo: OFC/Phototek
PNG and Solomons draw
Determined to make amends for a disappointing Pacific Games campaign on home soil last year, the Solomon Islands held Pacific Games champions Papua New Guinea to a 1-1 draw in their opening match.
OFC reported that the Batram Suri coached side took a first half lead on a sweltering afternoon contest at the FFS Football Stadium in Tuanimato.
In an opening half of few clear-cut chances, the Solomon Islands went ahead in the 30th minute when Lorina Solosaia slotted home for the opening goal.
Captain Ileen Pegi, usually deadly in front of goal, missed a golden chance to double the lead in the 57th minute, when after PNG goalkeeper Faith Kasiray fumbled a cross, she fired over the cross bar instead of placing the ball into the unguarded net.
Solomon Islands keeper Margaret Kofela rushed off her line but failed to get to the ball before PNG's Keren Kalapai lobbed into the net.
PNG continued to surge forward in search of a winner.
Marie Kaipu had a couple of late efforts well saved by Kofela, and the game finished level with everything to play for in their remaining Group A matches against Fiji and American Samoa.
Tongan defense praised
New Zealand and Tonga battle it out in their first pool game on Wednesday. New Zealand won 3-0. Photo: OFC/Phototek
Tonga head coach Kilifi Uele said he was happy with the way his team defended against New Zealand in their 3-0 loss.
New Zealand scored three goals in the first 16 minutes of the game but were not able to add to their tally for the rest of the game.
Uele said after the clash his team went to work on their defense and poured their all into the game.
"I am happy with their defense and how they just ran the whole game to stop the New Zealand team from scoring more goals," he said.
Grace Jale opened the scoring in the second minute after the Tongan defence failed to clear from a corner. Jale, who has Fijian links through her dad, scored another goal in the game.
Ally Green added the second from a penalty after Mackenzie Barry was cut down just inside the area. Jale had her second in the 16th minute when she cut inside and placed a curling right footed shot into the far corner.
Tongan keeper Madison Tenifa was constantly in the action and made some good saves to deny the Kiwis who failed to add to their tally in the final 30 minutes of the half.
While New Zealand controlled possession in the second spell, Jitka Klimkova's side struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.
The Tongan effort in defence was impressive. They kept their shape, were compact and dealt with most of the New Zealand attacks throughout the second half.
The second round of pool matches will be held on Saturday as follows: American Samoa v Solomon Islands, Fiji v Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu v Tonga, New Zealand v Samoa.