With seconds left on the clock, Leah Manuleleua was presented with the perfect opportunity to secure the win for Samoa from the penalty spot after Vanuatu's Limas Erikan took out substitute Sariah Taeaoalii in the box in their first match of the Oceania Olympic qualifiers at Tuanaimato on Wednesday evening.

“We just needed an opportunity to capitalise which was at the end when Sariah drew the foul,” said Manuleleua. 

She spoke about the missed opportunities that could have changed the course of the game including opportunities she missed. 

"It was kind of frustrating not putting away some of the ones I should've capitalised on," said Manuleleua.

Game changer Sarah Taeaoalii said the team had numerous chances to score and she was confident that they would take advantage of those opportunities which they did in the end.

“I’m very happy and a bit relieved, it was really crazy and I’m just really happy we were able to get that,” added Taeaoalii. 

During the opening of the match, Samoa had strong control over the game and almost scored a goal with a well-taken free kick by Sasjah Vikolia Dade. 

In the dying minutes of the first spell, Leimata Simon from Vanuatu missed a header. The headed to the change room tied nil-all.

10 minutes into the second half Vanuatu was off to a strong start when Diana Sine got in behind the defence but from an acute angle fired into the side netting and nearly hit the front post. 

Down the other end, Xevani Salanoa in space down the flank forced a good save from Nettie Kalsau in the Vanuatu goal. Her sister, substitute Xehlia Salanoa fired just wide minutes later after a beautiful through ball from Torijan Lyne-Lewis.

Samoa continued to push forward and create chances but on numerous occasions fired long-range shots over the crossbar.

20 minutes from time they had another golden opportunity to open the scoring when Manuleleua was through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but her touch was a little heavy and the ball went out of play not long before Malia Jessop kicked the long ball for Taeaoalii to draw foul. 

This Saturday, Samoa will face off against New Zealand at 5 pm at FFS grounds on Field One in Tuanaimato.