Latest news with #OFCWomen'sNationsCup2025
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3 days ago
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Spoils Shared In OFC Women's Nations Cup Group A Opener
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation Both coaches turned to the bench at half time, with Wallbank replacing Teretia Teinaki with Mareta Brothers, and Samin switching Hereana Brothers and Vahinetua Tuiho with Heitare Bonnet and Tihiura Tahutini respectively. The OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025 kicked off with the spoils shared by Tahiti and Cook Islands at Churchill Park in Lautoka today. Both 2022 quarter finalists were looking to start their campaigns strong, knowing that securing early points would be key if they were to progress from the group containing the reigning champions, Papua New Guinea. In the game's opening minutes, Tahiti looked the more dynamic of the two sides, though Cook Islands were comfortable absorbing the pressure. Haranui Le Gayic posed a constant threat for Tahiti down the right flank, epitomized as she burst into the box in the 21st minute. Her cutback, however, was too close to Cook Islands goalkeeper Courtney Napa, who comfortably gathered the ball. Tahiti again came close to breaking the deadlock five minutes later. A quick free kick saw Tauhere Teore released into space with a quality first touch taking her into the penalty area, but she couldn't keep her shot under the crossbar after expertly lobbing Napa. Tahiti were made to pay for not taking advantage of that opportunity, with Cook Islands opening the scoring minutes later through Tearoa Rouru. After Cook Islands were awarded a free kick, Tayla Hetherington cannoned her effort off the crossbar, with Rouru on hand to redirect the rebound beyond the grasp of the stranded Camille Andre just before the cooling break. Things seemed to compound for Tahiti when they were rocked with an enforced change just before half time, after Francesca Pagoubealo was stretchered off with a head knock, replaced with Kohai Mai. Both coaches turned to the bench at half time, with Wallbank replacing Teretia Teinaki with Mareta Brothers, and Samin switching Hereana Brothers and Vahinetua Tuiho with Heitare Bonnet and Tihiura Tahutini respectively. Following the restart, Tahiti started the brighter of the two sides, with Le Gayic again looking lively as she spearheaded the Tahitian attack. While Cook Islands were able to contain her efforts, they were unable to keep her teammates at bay, with first half substitute Mai finding Tahiti's equalizer just after the hour mark. The number seven started a slick one-two with Kiani Wong to prise open the Cook Islands defence, and she found herself in space in the penalty area, holding her nerve to bury past Napa. Despite both sides pressing hard, neither was able to secure a winner, with both Andre and Napa alert and putting their bodies on the line to snuff out any danger. Tahiti: 1 (Kohai MAI 63')
Scoop
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Spoils Shared In OFC Women's Nations Cup Group A Opener
The OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025 kicked off with the spoils shared by Tahiti and Cook Islands at Churchill Park in Lautoka today. Both 2022 quarter finalists were looking to start their campaigns strong, knowing that securing early points would be key if they were to progress from the group containing the reigning champions, Papua New Guinea. In the game's opening minutes, Tahiti looked the more dynamic of the two sides, though Cook Islands were comfortable absorbing the pressure. Haranui Le Gayic posed a constant threat for Tahiti down the right flank, epitomized as she burst into the box in the 21st minute. Her cutback, however, was too close to Cook Islands goalkeeper Courtney Napa, who comfortably gathered the ball. Tahiti again came close to breaking the deadlock five minutes later. A quick free kick saw Tauhere Teore released into space with a quality first touch taking her into the penalty area, but she couldn't keep her shot under the crossbar after expertly lobbing Napa. Tahiti were made to pay for not taking advantage of that opportunity, with Cook Islands opening the scoring minutes later through Tearoa Rouru. After Cook Islands were awarded a free kick, Tayla Hetherington cannoned her effort off the crossbar, with Rouru on hand to redirect the rebound beyond the grasp of the stranded Camille Andre just before the cooling break. Things seemed to compound for Tahiti when they were rocked with an enforced change just before half time, after Francesca Pagoubealo was stretchered off with a head knock, replaced with Kohai Mai. Both coaches turned to the bench at half time, with Wallbank replacing Teretia Teinaki with Mareta Brothers, and Samin switching Hereana Brothers and Vahinetua Tuiho with Heitare Bonnet and Tihiura Tahutini respectively. Following the restart, Tahiti started the brighter of the two sides, with Le Gayic again looking lively as she spearheaded the Tahitian attack. While Cook Islands were able to contain her efforts, they were unable to keep her teammates at bay, with first half substitute Mai finding Tahiti's equalizer just after the hour mark. The number seven started a slick one-two with Kiani Wong to prise open the Cook Islands defence, and she found herself in space in the penalty area, holding her nerve to bury past Napa. Despite both sides pressing hard, neither was able to secure a winner, with both Andre and Napa alert and putting their bodies on the line to snuff out any danger. Tahiti: 1 (Kohai MAI 63')
Scoop
4 days ago
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Group B Teams Finalise Preparations For OFC Women's Nations Cup
With eight overseas-based players in her squad, Fiji head coach Angeline Chua is confident her team has what it takes to lift the trophy at the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025, which kicks off tomorrow in Fiji. Group B teams, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, are putting the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of their opening matches on Saturday at Suva's HFC Bank Stadium. At this morning's pre-tournament media conference, held at the Fiji FA headquarters, Chua spoke about the pride and motivation of playing in front of a home crowd. 'In Fiji, we love sports, and we love to host. It's so important for the players to have their families and fans there supporting them,' said Chua. 'Playing at home gives us a unique advantage, and we're determined to make the most of it.' Chua also reflected on the importance of Fiji's recent international friendlies against Papua New Guinea. 'Those matches were crucial for our development. It's tough for Oceania teams to get regular matches during FIFA windows, unlike other regions where countries are closer together. But international exposure is vital if we want to perform on the bigger stage,' she said. 'Travelling to PNG and coming away with positive results gave us belief and helped us assess where we stand ahead of this tournament.' Solomon Islands coach Moses Toata is overseeing a squad featuring several players from Henderson Eels, who reached the semi-finals of the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti in May. 'We're excited to be here and grateful for the opportunity to test ourselves against the best in the region,' said Toata. 'Preparation has gone well, but we need to stay focused – especially for our opening match against Fiji.' Tonga head coach Kilifi Uele, a seasoned figure in the Pacific football scene, has blended local talent with a handful of US-based players in a youthful squad. 'This is one of the youngest senior teams we've fielded, many are from the U-19 side that qualified for the OFC U-19 Women's Championship for the first time,' said Uele. 'We also have eight overseas players joining us, which is a big boost. Our goal is to reach the semi-finals.' Vanuatu, guided by Jean-Robert Yelou, enter the tournament with quiet confidence after a focused domestic build-up in Port Vila. Several players hail from the Penama Tigers, late withdrawals from May's OFC Women's Champions League, and others from the U-19 national side. 'Our preparation has had its challenges, but the women's league is back up and running, and there's growing commitment at home,' Yelou said. 'We're excited to show what we can do.' Beyond regional pride, the OFC Women's Nations Cup carries additional importance: valuable FIFA ranking points are at stake, which will influence seeding for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers, beginning in the Cook Islands later this year. Group A action kicks off tomorrow in Lautoka, with Cook Islands facing Tahiti in the tournament opener at Churchill Park, followed by defending champions Papua New Guinea taking on Samoa.
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5 days ago
- Sport
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Group A Teams Ready For OFC Women's Nations Cup Kick-Off In Lautoka
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation Papua New Guineas head coach Ericsson Komeng, who recently led Hekari United Women to the final of the OFC Womens Champions League in Tahiti, returns to guide the national team as they defend the title they claimed in Fiji in 2022. Final preparations are underway for the four Group A teams ahead of the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025, with match day one set to kick off at Lautoka's Churchill Park this Friday. This morning, the head coaches and captains of Cook Islands, defending champions Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti came together at a pre-tournament media conference in Lautoka, sharing their thoughts on the competition and their opening matches. Papua New Guinea's head coach Ericsson Komeng, who recently led Hekari United Women to the final of the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti, returns to guide the national team as they defend the title they claimed in Fiji in 2022. 'It's going to be tough,' Komeng admitted. 'The two friendlies against Fiji [last month] gave us a lot to think about. The girls were a bit down after the second loss, but I have a quality side and I'm confident.' Captain Ramona Padio returns to bolster the side from the ankle injury she suffered in the OFC Women's Champions League semi-finals and missed the recent Fiji friendlies, bringing experience and leadership back to the squad. But first choice goalkeeper Faith Kasiray has been ruled out with a wrist injury suffered in training before the side departed for Fiji. Komeng is expecting a strong challenge in their opener against Samoa. 'They're a quality side, and that first match is very important for us,' he said. Samoa is led by head coach Juan Chang Urrea, who has been instrumental in shaping the country's women's football programme, coaching the U-16, U-19, and senior women's teams. Later this year, he will take Samoa's U-17 side to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. 'A lot of our girls represent Samoa from outside the country,' said Chang Urrea. 'This tournament will be a great learning experience. We know what the goal is, but we're focusing on taking things day by day.' Samoa brings a well-balanced team with a mix of youth and experience, with their clash Papua New Guinea clash an early litmus test for their campaign. Angela Wallbank will lead the Cook Islands, having coached Tupapa Maraerenga at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. Several players have been recruited from clubs in New Zealand, while one has joined from Perth. 'The biggest takeaway from the Champions League was seeing how other teams were structured,' Wallbank said. 'Now, with the ability to bring in players from New Zealand and Australia, we've added depth and balance across the park. That should help us counter some of the threats we identified in Tahiti.' Tahiti's squad, coached by Xavier Samin, includes six players from AS Pirae, who made their debut at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. The team's build-up has been challenging, with players juggling club commitments up until their departure for Fiji. 'With the team we have, we hope to go as far as possible,' said Samin. 'The Champions League in Tahiti gave us the chance to observe a lot of the players now in this tournament, so we have a good idea of the level of competition in the Pacific.' Group A action begins on Friday, with the Cook Islands taking on Tahiti in the tournament opener, followed by defending champions Papua New Guinea facing Samoa in the second match of the day. Full match schedule:
Scoop
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Group A Teams Ready For OFC Women's Nations Cup Kick-Off In Lautoka
Final preparations are underway for the four Group A teams ahead of the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025, with match day one set to kick off at Lautoka's Churchill Park this Friday. This morning, the head coaches and captains of Cook Islands, defending champions Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti came together at a pre-tournament media conference in Lautoka, sharing their thoughts on the competition and their opening matches. Papua New Guinea's head coach Ericsson Komeng, who recently led Hekari United Women to the final of the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti, returns to guide the national team as they defend the title they claimed in Fiji in 2022. 'It's going to be tough,' Komeng admitted. 'The two friendlies against Fiji [last month] gave us a lot to think about. The girls were a bit down after the second loss, but I have a quality side and I'm confident.' Captain Ramona Padio returns to bolster the side from the ankle injury she suffered in the OFC Women's Champions League semi-finals and missed the recent Fiji friendlies, bringing experience and leadership back to the squad. But first choice goalkeeper Faith Kasiray has been ruled out with a wrist injury suffered in training before the side departed for Fiji. Komeng is expecting a strong challenge in their opener against Samoa. 'They're a quality side, and that first match is very important for us,' he said. Samoa is led by head coach Juan Chang Urrea, who has been instrumental in shaping the country's women's football programme, coaching the U-16, U-19, and senior women's teams. Later this year, he will take Samoa's U-17 side to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. 'A lot of our girls represent Samoa from outside the country,' said Chang Urrea. 'This tournament will be a great learning experience. We know what the goal is, but we're focusing on taking things day by day.' Samoa brings a well-balanced team with a mix of youth and experience, with their clash Papua New Guinea clash an early litmus test for their campaign. Angela Wallbank will lead the Cook Islands, having coached Tupapa Maraerenga at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. Several players have been recruited from clubs in New Zealand, while one has joined from Perth. 'The biggest takeaway from the Champions League was seeing how other teams were structured,' Wallbank said. 'Now, with the ability to bring in players from New Zealand and Australia, we've added depth and balance across the park. That should help us counter some of the threats we identified in Tahiti.' Tahiti's squad, coached by Xavier Samin, includes six players from AS Pirae, who made their debut at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. The team's build-up has been challenging, with players juggling club commitments up until their departure for Fiji. 'With the team we have, we hope to go as far as possible,' said Samin. 'The Champions League in Tahiti gave us the chance to observe a lot of the players now in this tournament, so we have a good idea of the level of competition in the Pacific.' Group A action begins on Friday, with the Cook Islands taking on Tahiti in the tournament opener, followed by defending champions Papua New Guinea facing Samoa in the second match of the day. Full match schedule:
