Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Samoa head coach Jess Ibrom has strengthened his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifier matches against Tahiti and New Zealand this month.
Samoa play Tahiti at FMG stadium in Hamilton on Friday, followed by a challenging matchup with New Zealand at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Monday night.
Ibrom and his squad are currently holding a mini pre-camp in Hamilton, preparing intensely for what he calls a “must-win” game against Tahiti.
Following a 4-1 loss to Vanuatu in Port Vila in October, their fixture against Tahiti is of the upmost importance, who themselves lost their first match – 3-0 to New Zealand.
“It’s going to be a big, big match for the boys. it’s obviously a must-win for ourselves and a must-win for Tahiti.”
Ibrom has brought in six new faces from the squad that played in Vanuatu.
“You take a lot of learnings from each campaign, and we are very fortunate the Federation has supported us superbly well.
‘As a result, we’ve brought in some additional players that weren’t involved in match days one, two and three. So, we’re looking forward to those guys becoming part of the group,” Ibrom said.
“There’s been a lot of work since we finished in Vanuatu, the locally based players and those players that reside in different locations around the world, they’ve been working tremendously hard on their physical fitness.
“That’s the most important factor for us. And I’d certainly say from campaign to campaign, there’s been better physical preparation,” Ibrom continued.
The squad is buoyed by the presence of the large Samoan community in New Zealand, with supporters expected in big numbers to support them in Hamilton and Auckland.
FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
Group B
Hamilton & Auckland, New Zealand (kick-off times local)
Friday, November 15
Samoa v Tahiti, 4:00pm
New Zealand v Vanuatu, 7:30pm
Monday, November 18
Tahiti v Vanuatu, 4:00pm
Samoa v New Zealand, 7:30pm