The Solomon Islands National Women’s Football Team kept their 2025 OFC Nations Cup semi-final hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Vanuatu on Tuesday, July 8.

Knowing a loss could end their campaign, the Solomon Islands started brightly and their breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Madeline Arukau was brought down in the penalty area.

Captain Ileen Pegi stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the Vanuatu goalkeeper, giving her sie a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Vanuatu came out pressing in the second half and created several dangerous chances, forcing goalkeeper Zainab Donga who also plays for Naha FC, into some spectacular saves to keep her side in front.

In the 57th minute, a defensive lapse from Vanuatu allowed Arukau to pounce again, calmly placing the ball into the bottom left corner to double the Solomon Islands’ lead.

Vanuatu were handed a lifeline in the 68th minute with a penalty, but Henriette Sangul’s shot went wide of the post.

Leimata Simon managed to pull one back for Vanuatu in the 81st minute, but it proved too late as the Solomon Islands held on for a crucial win.

With three points apiece, both teams’ fates now hinge on the final round of Group B. Vanuatu will face hosts Fiji, while the Solomon Islands take on Tonga.

By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR