Samoa has advanced to the semifinals after a stable 2–0 victory over Tonga. However, the win on Tuesday evening may have come at a high cost with several Samoan players now at risk of missing the upcoming semifinal.

The team went on to receive praise from the board of the Samoan Football Federation after 90 minutes of another challenging game at Tuanaimato. The board and the team celebrated together as if they had already won the tournament:

"Thank you for making us proud", a representative said.

But after two out of three wins – the Samoan team – is now however among the top contenders to reach the Olympic Games in Paris later this year.

The deciding game of Group B against Tonga started similarly to the previous two against Vanuatu and New Zeeland. A strong intent from Samoa to push forward and create chances, while a great inability to capitalise on them. The pattern didn't change until the Samoan coach, Juan Chang Urrea, made a double substitution halfway through the first half.

Striker Xevani Salanoa and the flamboyant winger Khelistar Murray-Kumitau were forced to leave the pitch due to injuries and were replaced by Arianna Skeers and Jayda Stewart. The two substitutes immediately stirred up the opponents, often orchestrated by the persistent midfielder Sariah Taeaoalii's runs and passes.

"I was a bit nervous because we were not getting our chances in," Taeaoalii confessed afterward.

The deadlock was broken following one of Taeaoalii's passes. Midfielder Monique Fischer ran into the box, received Taeaoalii's pass, and left Tongan goalkeeper Madison Tenifa stranded. 

"I think with every game we play, we're finding our groove a bit more, which is good to see," Fischer said about the team spirit.

The goal could have awakened Tonga, instead, it seemed to have put them to rest. In the second half, the Tongans were quieter both in the stands and on the pitch and when Jayda Stewart scored after a series of missed opportunities, the match was effectively over.

Coach Juan Chang Urrea acknowledged the team's difficulties in scoring but preferred to focus on the positives.

"Creating chances is the most difficult thing in football. But hey, in football, you only need to win by one goal," he said. 

With at least three key players potentially injured, he faces dire problems. He doesn't know yet how he can form his team for the upcoming semifinal against the Solomon Islands.

"We'll see. I will have to talk to our physio first. But without a doubt, we have a couple of injuries and a lot of tired bodies," he said.

"Playing three games in six days takes a really hard toll on their bodies. But everyone is playing a big role in our team, including those who start on the bench. That's why we have 22 players on the team, and not just 11."

The Solomon Islands team, which won Group A, will face Samoa on Friday evening. The opposing squad watched parts of the game from the stands to prepare for what awaits them. But so is Monique Fischer. 

"It was a bit of a surprise to see them come top of their group", she said. "We played them before, and last time in the Nations Cup, we drew 1–1. They are a fast team, but we will be watching their games back as well."

In the other semifinal New Zealand will play Fiji.