Solomon Islands deliver stunning 7-0 win over American Sāmoa, keep World Cup dreams alive

The Solomon Islands secure a dominant 7-0 victory over American Sāmoa in the OFC Under-19 Women's Qualifying Championship in Tonga.

Monday's win keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the tournament in Tahiti later this year.

After a 1-0 defeat to hosts Tonga in their opening match last Friday, the Solomon Islands women, dressed in yellow and blue, prove too strong in both attack and defence against American Sāmoa.

They dominate the early stages of the match, with star striker Joy Toby using her speed to create difficulties for American Sāmoa’s defence.

Toby stands out, scoring five goals in the 26th, 55th, 64th, 77th, and 82nd minutes, while Gracester Kini adds two more in the 74th and 94th minutes.

The Solomons' pressure pays off in the 26th minute when Toby latches onto a fantastic through ball and finishes confidently past goalkeeper Nathalia Toilolo.

Toby almost completes a hat-trick before halftime, but Toilolo makes several crucial saves to keep her team in the game.

Gertrude Oritaimae has the best chance of the first half, receiving a decisive pass from Toby, but Toilolo smotheres her effort, keeping it at 1-0.

The Solomon Islands' onslaught continues right at the start of the second half. Toby strikes from close range to score her second goal of the match.

Nine minutes later, she secures her hat-trick, finding herself in space after a free-kick, displaying composure to control the ball before unleashing a powerful shot into the left corner of the net.

Substitute Kini springs into action after a poor clearance from American Sāmoa, racing away from defenders to slip the ball past Toilolo.

With the victory assured, Toby keeps her scoring spree alive, netting two more goals. Kini then caps off the match by adding a seventh goal in stoppage time, sealing an emphatic victory for her team.

The Solomon Islands now depend on American Sāmoa defeating hosts Tonga on Thursday to keep their hopes of qualifying for the OFC U19 Women's Championships 2025 in Tahiti alive.

Meanwhile, Fiji men's football coach Rob Sherman outlines a plan for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers semifinal against the New Zealand All Whites on 19 March in Wellington.

Primrose Maetoloa, left, of the Solomon Islands, competes for the ball against American Sāmoa. Photo/OFCAETOLOA

The Bula Boys will compete in a high-stakes match, with the winner advancing to the final on 24 March, where they could secure direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

The Fijians have been in training camps in Ba since February, focusing on fitness and tactical strategies.

While he acknowledges the Kiwis' strength, Sherman says the Fijians plan to neutralise their key advantages.

He calls on Fiji fans to support the team in Wellington.

Fiji men's soccer team will take on New Zealand on 19 March in Wellington to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo/OFC