Samoa

PNG draw with Samoa

Goals were scored at the back end of the first half.

PNG hit the lead through Nicollete Ageva in the 41st minute.

Samoa levelled up in additional time when Hunter Malaki powered the ball past keeper Amatha Mistera.

Samoa’s Shalom Fiso tested Mistera’s reach in the 51st minute sending a high ball into the penalty box but Mistera was up the task making the save.

Ageva came close to breaking the deadlock in the 77th minute firing a shot at the keeper. But Jacky Toma managed to punch the ball clear.

PNG to play Samoa tomorrow

The match will kick off at 3pm (1pm PNG time) at Ngahue Reserve - Field 2.

In other matches, Tonga will take on New Zealand while Fiji and New Caledonia go head to head.

From four matches, PNG have won two and lost two which has put them in third spot on the ladder.

The current standings:

New Zealand (12), Fiji (7), PNG (6), New Caledonia (6), Samoa (2), Tonga (1).

Fiji U-19 dedicates game against Samoa to late goal keeper

The late Lockington is an upcoming goal keeper, who was part of the team to participate in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship but withdraw prior to the team’s departure due to illness.

Her death was a big blow for the Fiji team but despite of cloud of sadness hovering over them they put their hearts for Francine.

Fiji coach Saroj Kumar said it was tough outing for the Fijian girls who were still visibly shaken by the loss of their teammate and they want to dedicate his side’s valiant performance to Lockington.

Tonga gifted a spot at RWC 2019 in Japan

With the combined results of the 2016 and 2017 cups doubling as World Cup qualifiers, Samoa needed to at least draw with the unbeaten Fijians to overhaul Tonga and reach the tournament in Japan in two years time.

Even a bonus point in defeat might have been enough.

They led 16-14 at half time in Apia but had no answers as Fiji over-ran them in the second half.

Fiji, who secured qualification last week when they defeated Tonga 14-10, scored five tries in total, including a hat-trick to scrumhalf Henry Seniloli.

Frustration in Tokelau with Apia-based administration

Siopili Perez says at the last general fono the new public service commissioner was asked to investigate bringing the core operation to Tokelau while maintaining a function in Apia.

Mr Perez said the commissioner is due to submit a report at the next general fono in two weeks which will outline recommendations on how to structure the administration.

The ulu said while transport and recruitment would stay in Apia, all other services would eventually move to Tokelau.

U-16 Women’s Championship: First-ever full representation

In 2016, a hugely successful U-17 women’s tournament was hosted in Cook Islands featuring nine nations of which Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu, made their debuts at this age-group. For Fiji it was an historic outing after they finished third, narrowly beating New Caledonia in the match for third place.

This year will mark the debut of American Samoa, who have never participated in this competition, and the return to this level for Solomon Islands whose last outing was in 2010 when they finished a very respectable second.

Pacific squads confirmed for OFC U-19s Women’s Championship

Kicking off just over a year after the 2016 OFC U-17 Championship – and only a few months after the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea – there are many familiar faces coming to Auckland this July.

Defending champions New Zealand have recruited an army of international experience for their attempt at a sixth-consecutive title including Malia Steinmetz, Grace Jale, and goalkeeper Anna Leat – who will offer senior international football experience to Gareth Turnball’s squad having already been in the mix for the New Zealand national women’s team.

Samoa Super Rugby clash a chance to give back

The Blues region is home to about 150,000 Samoans while the team itself has a number of players with Samoan heritage, as well as head coach Tana Umaga.

"We've seen the amount of Samoan players that are playing overseas and it's good to take something back to the islands," he said.

"We saw it with obviously other teams going to Fiji and now it's Samoa's time. It will showcase what they can do and how they can cater for these big games, which is a positive," said Tana Umaga.

The family of Blues and All Black lock Patrick Tuipolotu emigrated to New Zealand from Samoa.

Samoa stung by poor execution

The final match of the Pacific Test triple-header was, on paper, the hardest game to predict, but England's precision proved too much for a Samoan side that had its moments, but ultimately couldn't match it for 80 minutes with their northern rivals.

Samoa and PNG shaping up for showdown

In yesterday’s match between Samoa and Japan, the trend of bowling first continued as Samoa sent Japan in.

Japan never looked like setting a competitive total with a run rate of under two runs an over for most of the match.

Some late hitting from Rio Endo (9 not out) brought some spark to the last quarter of the innings but it was too late and Japan could only manage 49 runs from their 20 overs.