American Samoa 4-0 Cook Islands
American Samoa goals: Patea (22), Mana’o (37), Fuamatu-Ma’afala (44), Summers (49)
American Samoa have advanced to the group stage of OFC qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ after defeating Cook Islands in the final of the preliminary round held at the CIFA Academy.
The two teams had to overcome firm challenges just to reach Monday’s decisive encounter. American Samoa delivered an impressive performance to defeat Tonga 3-0, while Cook Islands edged Tahiti 1-0.
American Samoa were on the front foot from the very start and were richly rewarded for their efforts when Morgan Patea scored a sparkling opener by using her right boot to steer home a cross from the right flank.
It was soon two when captain Alma Mana’o curled home a right-footed rocket from outside the area. They then added a third before intermission with Alayna Fuamatu-Ma’afala latching onto a cross from sister Aianna Fuamatu-Ma’afala.
American Samoa kept their foot on the gas to start the second half, as Cassidy Drago headed to Mattyn Summers, who extended the lead to four, allowing them to cruise the rest of the way.
American Samoa will now slot into Group A, joining New Zealand, Samoa and Solomon Islands, with the group stage scheduled to start on 27 February 2026.
Photos courtesy of OFC Media via Phototek
