The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) is filled with pride as their Under 19 women’s team advances to the semi-finals in the ongoing regional tournament. This triumphant journey began in February under the guidance of coach Tuka Tisam, who has relentlessly worked with these young women, pushing them to their maximum potential. He showed no leniency, treating them just like any other dedicated team.
The talented team departed Rarotonga in the early hours of Sunday, 18th June for Fiji. Upon arrival, Tisam focused on honing their skills with intense training sessions and valuable workshops led by OFC officials.
Grouped in Group C along with Tahiti and the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands played their first match against Tahiti. The enthralling game concluded in a draw (0-0); however, Tearoa Rouru from the Cook Islands garnered attention as she received the Player of the Match award.
In their second match against the Solomon Islands, an exhilarating performance propelled Cook Islands to top Group C with a 1-0 victory. Victoria Fatiaki shined as she earned Player of the Match honors.
The third match against Vanuatu proved to be a nail-biter as Vanuatu dominated possession during the initial stage; nonetheless, Cook Islands’ strong defense secured a 2-1 win for them. Hereatea Mapu scored another Player of the Match title for the Cook Islands with her outstanding performance.
This outcome is significant for Cook Islands, given their elimination from this tournament in 2019 when they hosted it, knocked out of the 2019 OFC tournament by both Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Now set to face New Zealand in the semi-finals, an impressive team so far, coach Tisam expressed confidence that his girls are up for this challenge, emphasizing that they have been preparing to take on all the teams.
CIFA Vice-President Moeroa Tamangaro couldn’t help but share her delight: “This is a proud moment for CIFA and the Cook Islands people. To see our young women, who have worked so hard, make it to the semi-final is wonderful, more than enough.” Recognising that New Zealand will be a formidable opponent, she shared her encouragement and asserted that regardless of the outcome, the Cook Islands hold immense pride for their achievements thus far in the tournament.
Photo Credit OFC Media
