Samoa takes 3rd place at OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2023

Samoa’s U-19 Women’s Team has taken 3rd place at OFC Championship 2023 with a dramatic victory over Cook Islands at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva in the weekend.

A late goal from Cook Islands substitute Abrihana Enoka seemed to have sent the match to penalties after Arianna Skeers had put Samoa ahead with just over ten minutes remaining. However, a late penalty from Skeers deep into stoppage time secured the win for Samoa and the bronze medal.

Samoa took the lead when a Lilly Dowsing corner was missed by Kimberly Uini and the ball struck Arianna Skeers on the chest and bounced into the unguarded net. Whether by accident or design, Skeers was a worthy candidate to break the deadlock.

With the minutes running down and Samoa seemingly in charge of the contest, Cook Islands somehow found a way to claw themselves back into the match. Substitute Abrihana Enoka pouncing on a loose ball from 25 yards out and her expert lob floated over Viliamu in the Samoa goal and nestled in the far corner to bring the scores level.

The drama was far from over however when Uini up-ended Sariah Taeaoalii in the box, giving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Skeers took on the responsibility and calmly slotted the ball low past Uini.

There was only time to re-start the match before the final whistle was immediately blown, giving Samoa an emotional victory.

Samoa: 2 (Arianna SKEERS 78′, 90+7′)
Cook Islands: 1 (Abrihana ENOKA ’89’)