The OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 kicked off with the spoils shared by Tahiti and Cook Islands at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Thursday (Cook Islands time).

Both 2022 quarter finalists were looking to start their campaigns strongly, knowing that securing early points would be key if they were to progress from the group containing the reigning champions Papua New Guinea.

In the game’s opening minutes, Tahiti looked the more dynamic of the two sides, though Cook Islands were comfortable absorbing the pressure.

Haranui Le Gayic posed a constant threat for Tahiti down the right flank, epitomised as she burst into the box in the 21st minute. Her cutback, however, was too close to Cook Islands goalkeeper Courtney Napa, who comfortably gathered the ball.

Tahiti again came close to breaking the deadlock five minutes later. A quick free kick saw Tauhere Teore released into space with a quality first touch taking her into the penalty area, but she couldn’t keep her shot under the crossbar after expertly lobbing Napa.

Tahiti were made to pay for not taking advantage of that opportunity, with Cook Islands opening the scoring minutes later through Tearoa Rouru.

After Cook Islands were awarded a free kick, Tayla Hetherington cannoned her effort off the crossbar, with Rouru on hand to redirect the rebound beyond the grasp of the stranded Camille Andre just before the cooling break.

Things seemed to compound for Tahiti when they were rocked with an enforced change just before half time, after Francesca Pagoubealo was stretchered off with a head knock, replaced with Kohai Mai.

Both coaches turned to the bench at half time, with Angela Wallbank replacing Teretia Teinaki with Mareta Brothers, and Xavier Samin switching Hereana Brothers and Vahinetua Tuiho with Heitare Bonnet and Tihiura Tahutini respectively.

Following the restart, Tahiti started the brighter of the two sides, with Le Gayic again looking lively as she spearheaded the Tahitian attack.

While Cook Islands were able to contain her efforts, they were unable to keep her teammates at bay, with first half substitute Mai finding Tahiti’s equaliser just after the hour mark.

The number seven started a slick one-two with Kiani Wong to prise open the Cook Islands defence, and she found herself in space in the penalty area, holding her nerve to bury past Napa.

Despite both sides pressing hard, neither was able to secure a winner, with both Andre and Napa alert and putting their bodies on the line to snuff out any danger.

Many of the Cook Islands squad members recently gained valuable exposure at the OFC Women’s Champions League in May, where Wallbank led Tupapa Maraerenga FC, the reigning domestic champions.

The national team has also recruited several players from clubs in New Zealand, while one has joined from Perth.

In the lead up to the match, Wallbank said: “The biggest takeaway from the Champions League was seeing how other teams were structured.”

“Now, with the ability to bring in players from New Zealand and Australia, we’ve added depth and balance across the park. That should help us counter some of the threats we identified in Tahiti.”

Cook Islands will take on Samoa on 7 July at 12pm (local time) before facing giants Papua New Guinea on 10 July at 3om (local time).

PNG defeated Samoa 2-1 in the other match.

• OFC Media