Solomon Islands edge Sāmoa to reach OFC Women's Nations Cup final for the first time

The Solomon Islands have defeated Sāmoa 2-1 in Fiji to reach the final of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup for the first time.

Sāmoa took an early lead, but the Solomon Islands equalised through captain Ileen Pegi and added another goal from an own goal by Breanna Kitiona.

The Solomons held on for victory despite Sāmoa's increased pressure in the second half of their semi-final in Suva on Wednesday.

The win sets up a final against defending champions Papua New Guinea, back at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday night, where the Solomon Islands will hope to lift the continental crown for the first time.

PNG beat Fiji 2-1 with goals from Ramona Padio and Keren Kalapai. Fiji's Narieta Leba scored shortly after Padio's second goal, but the hosts were unable to equalise despite being more aggressive in the second half.

The Solomon Islands emerged victorious when the two teams faced off in the third-place play-off at the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup, but they suffered an early setback when defender Sharoly Saeni was forced off the field within the first six minutes of the match.

Jacklyn Ikama was substituted in much earlier than anticipated, and Sāmoa took advantage of her adjustment period. In the 14th minute, Oteta Kitonia capitalised on a well-weighted ball into the box, calmly slotting it past Zainab Donga to give Sāmoa the lead, marking her second goal of the tournament and her nation’s first ever in an OFC Women’s Nations Cup semi-final.

But this sparked the Solomon Islands into action. Just six minutes later, Pegi levelled the score with a brilliant play. She collected the ball down the left side of the box, cut inside, and curled a delightful right-footed shot into the top right corner of the net.

The comeback was complete in the 33rd minute when Solosaia and Almah Gogoni battled hard in the box, leading to Sāmoa defender Kitiona inadvertently nudging the ball into her net.

With the lead secured, momentum shifted firmly in favour of the Solomon Islands. They had opportunities to extend their lead before halftime, with Arukau notably sending a shot into the side netting.

In the second half, Arukau continued to apply pressure, first forcing Sāmoa’s goalkeeper Xeyana Salanoa to rush off her line for a crucial block, and later forcing a save at the near post. As the match progressed, Sāmoa began to control more of the ball in search of an equaliser but struggled to create clear goal-scoring opportunities.

This prompted Coach Juan Chang Urrea to make substitutions, bringing Alisa Tuatagaloa and Gracie Va’afusuaga into the game. Sāmoa came closest to scoring when a mistake from Donga in goal allowed for a potential chance, but a Solomon Islands defender quickly cleared the danger.

The Solomons held on through the final 10 minutes and seven minutes of injury time for a historic win. Despite the defeat, Sāmoa will have the opportunity to compete for third place against Fiji before the final between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, PNG are one win away from defending their OFC Women’s Nations Cup title after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Fiji.

Fiji’s Narieta Leba, left, scored a goal for the hosts but it wasn't enough to beat the defending champions, Papua New Guinea. Photo/Kirk Corrie/Phototek

Under Coach Ericson Komeng, PNG showcased long spells of dominance, with seven players from Hekari United Women’s FC in the starting lineup. Marie Kaipu proved to be a constant threat up front, supported by Michaelyne Butubu and Keren Kalapai, while Fiji looked to exploit the pace of Narieta Leba on the counterattack.

The return of midfield maestro Padio, who was absent during last month’s friendlies between the two teams in Port Moresby, proved crucial. In the 26th minute, her pinpoint cross was headed home by Kalapai to open the scoring.

Padio almost doubled the lead four minutes later but was denied by a superb near-post save from Fiji’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Emily Esposito. However, Padio didn’t have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, as just three minutes later, she unleashed a powerful 30-meter shot that bounced awkwardly in front of Esposito, who couldn’t keep it out. Immediately after, Fiji responded.

From the restart, a long ball released Leba, who regained her footing after stumbling and rifled a right-footed strike past Lavinia Hola to narrow the deficit. Fiji created several chances on either side of the break as they desperately sought an equaliser.

Papua New Guinea celebrate a goal against Fiji. Photo/OFC Media

Leba delivered a dangerous cross along the goal line for Trina Davis, who failed to connect as the goal beckoned. Moments into the second half, Cema Nasau, who was quiet in the first half, forced a brilliant save from Hola at close range.

Fiji's coach, Angeline Chua, made a bold decision at halftime, replacing Davis with 14-year-old Adi Reva, but Papua New Guinea's experience and control prevailed. They lifted their intensity, dictated the tempo, and managed to see out the match with composure.

With 20 minutes remaining, Fiji’s captain Maria Veronika cleared a shot off the line. In the final moments, Fiji threw everything at the Papua New Guinea defence but couldn’t find the crucial touch needed to equalise and force extra time.

It was heartbreak for Fiji as they fell 2-1 once again to Papua New Guinea.