Am Samoa’s OFC U-16 women’s team returns home victorious

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Fresh off their historic triumph in last week's Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) U16 Women's Championship qualifiers in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, the American Samoa U16 Women's soccer team arrived home yesterday to a hero's welcome, greeted with pride and celebration by their proud parents and supporters.

The team was scheduled to arrive in two groups, with the first landing at 11am and the second at 1pm. However, the 11am flight was forced to return to Apia due to heavy rain and dense cloud cover, which severely reduced visibility, making it impossible for the pilots to ensure a safe landing.

As the weather cleared, the first group finally arrived at 1pm, followed by the second group touching down just half an hour later. By then, the Pago Pago International Airport Arrival Lounge, adorned with colorful balloons and heartfelt 'Welcome Home' and 'Congratulations' signs, was overflowing with relieved parents and joyous family members, eagerly embracing the returning team.

Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. was also present to commend the team for elevating American Samoa’s standing in international sports. He praised the players for their unwavering dedication and commitment to overcoming challenges, proving their resilience as underdogs.

In addition, he recognized the efforts of the local soccer association in fostering the growth of the sport and refining the skills of young athletes in American Samoa. He emphasized that, in today's professional sporting landscape, individuals can harness their God-given talents to excel in their chosen discipline, earn a living, and support their families.

Lt. Governor Pulu also expressed his appreciation for the parents, acknowledging their prayers and steadfast support for their children's athletic pursuits. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to sports development, emphasizing its positive role in engaging the younger generation and steering them away from harmful influences such as alcohol and drugs.

Team manager Amio Luvu spoke on behalf of the team and thanked the Lt. Governor, ASFF President Faiivae A. Godinet and parents for their support and prayers. The team management includes assistant coaches Augustine and Suilepa Grey, goalkeeper coach Michael Taumua and physiotherapist Luaao Wasko.

In an interview with assistant coach Siulepa Grey, she shared that the team was well aware of the challenge ahead even before departing. Facing two powerhouse teams, they knew the journey would be anything but easy.

"We knew before arriving that the odds were stacked against us, facing two formidable sides well-versed in OFC tournaments," Grey stated. "When the opening match between Papua New Guinea and tournament hosts Cook Islands ended in a 1-1 draw, we knew they would come at us with everything they had. After all, the team that managed to score the most goals against us would ultimately win the tournament.

"But there was no pressure — we were prepared and ready for the challenges ahead. Our coaching team had full confidence in the girls' physical fitness, so we focused on strengthening their mental game, encouraging them to work on their combinations and execute team strategies with precision."

The first game against PNG was a closely contested battle where PNG went into attack mode at the sound of the whistle but American Samoa's defense was steadfast guarding their goal with everything they had with crucial saves from goalkeeper Delilah Noa.

American Samoa secured a 1-0 victory, thanks to a second-half goal from Salamasina Satele. Despite PNG controlling possession and creating chances, they could not bag a goal. With time running out, they intensified their attacks, but their efforts continued to be thwarted by American Samoa's strong defense until the final whistle.

This win eliminated Papua New Guinea from qualification contention, while setting up a final match day decider between American Samoa and the Cook Islands for the remaining spot in the OFC Women’s U16 Championships.

Assistant coach Grey shared that the team stepped onto the field for their final game against the Cook Islands with unwavering confidence, undeterred by their opponents' home advantage. Despite the entire island rallying from all four sides of the pitch, the players remained focused and fearless, ready to rise to the challenge.

The match was a thrilling contest, with Satele and Maryjane Laina each scoring two goals, while Wendolynn Tua added another. Despite a late comeback attempt from Cook Islands, American Samoa held on to secure the victory and book their place in the OFC U-16 Women's Championship 2025 in Samoa this August.

American Samoa will compete in Group B, and will compete alongside formidable teams such as New Zealand, Solomon Island, and Tonga.

American Samoa Football Federation (ASFF) President Faiivae Iuli A. Godinet expressed immense pride and gratitude for the team’s remarkable achievement, applauding their dedication and hard work in making history.

He acknowledged that greater challenges lie ahead, as the team will maintain their underdog status while competing against the Oceania region’s top teams for the first time. However, he remains confident that they will rise to the occasion, just as they proved in the Cook Islands.

"As we celebrate this victory, we also look forward to the upcoming challenges," he said "The team will continue their rigorous preparation for the August tournament in Samoa this year, aiming to further hone their skills and strategies.

"The entire federation stands behind the team, providing them with the necessary resources and support to excel in the tournament. The journey ahead promises to be exciting and challenging, but with the determination and talent demonstrated by the U-16 Women's National Team, we are confident in their ability to rise to the occasion and achieve even greater success.

"The FFAS reaffirms its commitment to the development and promotion of women's football, ensuring that our athletes receive the best training and opportunities to showcase their talents on the international stage."

The OFC U16 Women's Championship 2025 takes place on August 1- 14 in Apia, Samoa.

AMERICAN SAMOA MAKES HISTORY AT OFC-U16 WOMEN’S QUALIFIERS

OFC Media reported that American Samoa had qualified for an Oceania Football Conference (OFC) tournament for the first time, following an action-packed 5- 4 victory over the Cook Islands at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship qualifiers in Rarotonga.

According to the report, a dominant first-half performance was enough for American Samoa to hold on and claim victory, despite a spirited comeback from the tournament hosts in a nine-goal epic.

It marks the first time American Samoa have progressed from a qualifying competition to gain entry to an OFC event at any level.

The match shaped as a shoot-out for a place at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, with the Cook Islands needing a win to progress, and American Samoa requiring just a draw.

With so much on the line, it turned into a classic.

Captain Metuamrau Arere put the Cook Islands ahead in the sixth minute, but it was quickly cancelled out by two goals in three minutes from American Samoa.

Wendolynn Tua leveled it up, before Salamasina Satele capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the 11th minute to flip the contest on its head.

Satele had her second goal just eight minutes later, and Maryjane Laina made it four in the 25th minute when she converted a one-on-one situation with Moerai Ngametua.

Desperately in need of a goal, Tetianui Pitomaki pulled one back for the Cook Islands with a wonderful long-range effort in first-half stoppage time.

Arere had the chance to further reduce it back to just a one-goal deficit from the penalty spot before the break, but Reililah Noa got down to save well to her left.

The goals kept coming in the second half, as Laina scored her second for American Samoa, only to be cancelled out by Arere’s second for the Cook Islands.

The score was 5- 3 to American Samoa with half an hour to play, but the Cook Islands continued to believe, and Metuamaru Arere completed her hat-trick in the 74th minute to put the hosts on the verge of completing the comeback.

Despite some late pressure and numerous chances, American Samoa survived the late onslaught to hold on for victory and secure qualification.

ASFF President Faiivae Iuli A. Godinet and Lt. Governor Puluimataala Ae Ae, Jr. (center) pose with members of the national Women's U16 soccer team and supporters at the airport yesterday afternoon. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]