The Tahitian women’s national team, the Vahine Ura, have taken the advantage over neighbours the Cook Islands after securing a 3-1 victory in the first of two international friendly matches between the two nations played in Paea yesterday.
It was a strong start from the host side who found the back of the net for the opening goal when Ninauea Hioe showed her speed and technique to deliver the opening blow to the visitors just two minutes into the match.
Tahiti continued to dominate and came close to extending their lead in the 11th minute with a header from Tahia Tamarii but she was denied. In the end it fell to Hanihei Taumaa to give Tahiti a two goal cushion with her strike in the 16th minute.
As expected prior to kick off Tahiti’s Vaihei Samin, who is in the Tours youth programme in France, was the standout for her side taking corners and free kicks and putting pressure on the Cook Islands.
The second half was a lot harder for the home team, and they were pleased when Taumaa scored a second for her brace. Despite being three goals down at this point the Cook Islands refused to give up and when the opportunity finally came their way in the form of a penalty, Ngametua Taringa stepped up to put the ball in the back of the net.
However it wasn’t enough for the Cook Islands to pull themselves back in line with their opponent, with Tahiti winning 3-1.
The second friendly will be played on Friday 13 July (local) at the same field.
