American Samoa 1 Cook Islands 1
American Samoa continued its amazing run, opening up strong against the Cook Islands by creating numerous scoring chances. The lowest-ranked side in the world took the lead in the 24th minute courtesy of Shalom Luani and had several opportunities to extend it, but could not convert.
The second half was a different story, American Samoa was still the better side, but began to tire as the match wore on, allowing Cook Islands to claw its way back into it. They did equalize in the 62nd minute thanks to an own-goal.
American Samoa can now qualify for round two with a win on Saturday while Cook Islands have been eliminated.
Samoa 1 Tonga 1
Samoa missed an opportunity to take control of the group, allowing Tonga to peg back for a 1-1 draw.
Shaun Easthope had given the Samoans the lead by converting a penalty kick with less than five minutes left in the first half. Samoa had a golden chance to go two up, but a corner kick was cleared off the line by Tonga.
Tonga eventually found its footing in the second half and began to create chances. They finally equalized in the 81st minute, Lokoua Taufahema headed home a free kick with the keeper caught out of position and both sides shared the spoils.
Samoa will play American Samoa for the right to advance to the second round while Tonga has been eliminated and finishes up against the Cook Islands.
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