There was an overwhelming turnout of Samoan supporters at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday, supporting the Samoa under-16 women’s football team, as they defeated Fiji 1-0 in the OFC Women’s under-16 championship.
The match was a do-or-die contest, as the winner would top Group A.
The side was supported by university students and fellow countrymen and women of various ages who turned out in numbers to cheer on the team, who displayed a defiant performance from kick-off.
The supporters made their presence and backing known in the game through rallying cheers and encouraging remarks, urging the players to keep progressing in a game that was hotly contested between the two sides.
Sifo Tanuvasa, a Samoan student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), expressed her delight at the team’s triumph.
Tanuvasa said she was grateful for the victory witnessed and was proud of the young side.
As she expressed her elation, the team thanked their supporters with a bow, who waved national flags from the grandstand.
The third-year USP student further voiced her excitement at the team’s win.
“We’re so glad and happy for your win, just keep it up and Samoa always,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Samoans now advance into the semi-final stages from Group A and will meet the runner up of Group B.
The semi-finals will take place in Suva on Wednesday with the final on Saturday.
