This could be the toughest match for the Samoa women's national football team yet when they face a very experienced New Zealand side that is just missing a few of the players from the 2023 FIFA Women's Cup on Saturday at Tuanaimato in the Oceania Olympic qualifiers.

The two teams have met only once before and that was on 9 October 1998 when the Kiwis drubbed Samoa 21-0. A score the Samoans will want to improve on. Keep in mind, that this is a very different Samoan team that has players in professional leagues in the United States, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia, unlike the team of 1998.

Jayda Stewart, a former New Zealand international is also in the Samoan side. Samoa and New Zealand are coming with three points each into the game. Samoa with a 1-0 win over Vanuatu while New Zealand beat Tonga 3-0. A win will ensure one of the teams a definite spot in the semi-finals.

Tonga's resilient performance shows that the Kiwis can be beaten or held. However, New Zealand is a very experienced side and the Samoa goalie will have her work cut out.

Xeyana Salanoa, one of three Salanoa sisters in the Samoa team will most likely be between the posts. She is taking her responsibilities seriously. 

 "I think with this game against New Zealand, we just need to come out a little bit harder and just find our strikers like Leah and wingers Xevani and Jayda," said Salanoa. 

She added that playing in Samoa is different from playing in America, and the game is more physical here.

However, the players are determined to give their best. Salanoa said playing against high-ranking teams like New Zealand is an opportunity for her to gain more knowledge about her position and the game of football.

When asked about some of the key motivating factors ahead of their game, Salanoa shared that her coach, Juan Chang Urrea, pushes the team to maintain composure during the game, and that helps them give their best performance. She also added the importance of representing Samoa and of her family roots.

"Just being able to represent our country and my family and my grandparents is just really a blessing, and I think that will drive me to play better than I did in the last game,” added Salanoa.

Urrea's team motto remains unchanged as they gear up for the match against NZ. According to the coach, the girls will be focusing on taking it one day at a time, as they prepare to make Samoa proud once again. 

"We are only focusing on our game and the things we can control," said Urrea.

Samoa is well aware of the challenge but is excited about the opportunity to represent their country and make Samoa proud. 

Samoa takes on New Zealand at 5 pm at Tuanaimato. Admission is free.