Papua New Guinea began their OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Samoa, thanks to a first-half brace from star striker Marie Kaipu. Despite a late push by the Samoan side, led by the Salanoa sisters, the defending champions held on to secure three points in Group A. The match, played in front of a vibrant crowd, showcased two rising forces in women’s football. Papua New Guinea, boasting several players from the OFC Women’s Champions League finalists Hekari Women’s FC, faced a youthful and determined Samoa squad, whose U-17 side is preparing for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ in Morocco later this year. From the opening whistle, PNG’s talisman Marie Kaipu was central to the action. After an early challenge from Samoa captain Alisa Tuatagaloa left her briefly sidelined for treatment, Kaipu returned with renewed intent. She nearly opened the scoring in the 17th minute, narrowly missing the target after a quick burst down the right wing. Moments later, her persistence paid off. Capitalizing on a loose ball, Kaipu initiated a swift one-two before outrunning Tuatagaloa, rounding goalkeeper Kamy Anaya, and calmly slotting home to give PNG a 1-0 lead. PNG nearly doubled their advantage shortly after through Keren Kalapai, whose strike rattled the upright. Captain and 2022 Golden Boot winner Ramona Padio also came close in the 26th minute and later had a goal disallowed after setting up Kaipu, who finished well but was flagged offside. Samoa responded with resilience. Oteta Kitiona surged forward on the wing, testing PNG’s backline, while a low cross from Xevani Salanoa almost found the equaliser before the break. However, it was Kaipu again who struck before halftime. Set up by Michaelyne Butubu, she shrugged off her marker and curled a clinical finish past Anaya in the 40th minute to make it 2-0. She nearly completed a first-half hat trick just before the whistle, unselfishly laying off to Butubu, whose shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Anaya. The second half saw Samoa regroup and find momentum, particularly through the impact of the Salanoa sisters. Goalkeeper Xeyana Salanoa entered the match at the restart and played a key role in keeping PNG at bay with a series of vital saves. Samoa’s growing confidence paid off late in the game when Xevani Salanoa looped a well-placed header over PNG goalkeeper Lavina Hola, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and raising hopes of a comeback. With renewed urgency, Samoa pushed forward in the final minutes, but PNG’s defence held strong. A brilliant one-handed save by Xeyana Salanoa in the dying moments denied PNG a third goal and kept Samoa within touching distance until the final whistle. Despite the loss, Samoa impressed with their tenacity and tactical discipline. For PNG, the victory reinforces their title credentials, while also highlighting areas for improvement ahead of their next group match.