Samoa are now the only team standing between New Zealand and a berth at next year's Under 20 Women's Football World Cup.
The Junior Football Ferns romped to an 18-0 win against Vanuatu at the Oceania Championship in Nuku'alofa, all but sealing their passage to next year's tournament in Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand's Emma Rolston on her way to one of her nine goals against Vanuatu. Photo: Oceania Football
Striker Emma Rolston bagged nine goals in the match, bringing her tally to 23 in three matches, while the New Zealand team have plundered 59 unanswered goals in their victories over Tonga, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
Samoa beat New Caledonia 6-2 in the other game to keep their faint qualification hopes alive.
Samoa players celebrate a goal at the Oceania Under 20 Women's Football Championship. Photo: Oceania Football
Samoa Under 20 football coach Leti Tamasese. Photo: Oceania Football
Head coach Leti Tamasese was thrilled to get their first win of the tournament but realistic about their chances of catching New Zealand.
"It was an exciting game, very entertaining game, and I'm so proud for my girls and I take my hat off to them. As we all know New Zealand got many goals against their opponents so for us we will try our best and do our best for a good game against New Zealand. We wouldn't mind coming second in the tournament".
Samoa have four points from two matches and need to beat Vanuatu on Thursday to set up a final-round showdown against New Zealand.
