Cook Islands claimed a historic OFC U-19 Championship win over American Samoa in their final pool match in Tahiti yesterday.

The national side defeated American Samoa 4-0 to secure third-place in Group A and knock their opponents out of the 2022 edition in Tahiti.

Goals from Silas Trego, Ngametua Tuakana and a Dalziel Beal brace earned victory at Stade Fautaua in Papeete and kept the nation’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.

The Cook Islands conceded early in their previous group stage fixtures and nearly did so again when Petu Pouli’s speculative half-volley called goalkeeper Ngereine Maro into action.

However, despite American Samoa’s strong start, it was the Cook Islands who eventually took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Trego scored the goal, sliding his finish beyond the onrushing Penieli Atu after an incisive through ball from Shane Tuteru.

The Cook Islands enjoyed wins over American Samoa in both the 2016 and 2018 preliminary rounds of this competition and were well on their way to another triumph when Tuakana doubled their advantage.

Once again, the assist bettered the goal, with Beal’s outside of the boot pass unleashing Tuakana, who fired beyond Atu at the near post.

Despite their endeavour, American Samoa failed to challenge Maro in the Cook Islands goal, Pouli’s long-range effort the closest they came in a disjointed second period.

Beal’s late goal tied the ribbon on the performance, finishing twice off assists from substitute Marcus Gibbens, sealing success with a flourish for Tahiri Elikana’s side.

After the win, Elikana told Cook Islands News: “The team has shown that they can play at this level, if all individuals step up. If they have belief and the mana to represent their country and family then they can compete no matter the opponent.”

“With every game they have improved and it’s scary (for the other teams) the rate they learn and grow… it’s such a blessing for Cook Islands Football to see them step up and show their football to the best in Oceania. They should feel proud about the win but also feel excited about the challenge ahead should we progress to the quarter finals.”

The Cook Islands’ only previous win in this competition was awarded to them in 2001 after opponents Samoa withdrew, making this a historic victory.

In the earlier pool matches, the national side went down to New Zealand and Solomon Islands 8-0 and 3-0, respectively.

They will now wait for the outcome from Group B and C to discover if they advance to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams. For American Samoa the wait for a main finals win goes on and their 2022 adventure comes to an end.

• OFC MEDIA/RK

Results

American Samoa U-19 0 Cook Islands U-19 4 (Silas Trego 9’, Ngametua Tuakana 18′, Dalziel Beal 79′, 88′). Half-time: 0-2.