High hopes for Samoa at OFC Nations Cup as squad is packed with overseas-based players

The Samoa national football team has revealed its squad for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup. The tournament will see Samoa compete in Group B alongside Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti, with group matches to be held in Suva, Fiji. The semifinals and final will take place in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Northern Irish head coach Ryan Stewart leads the Samoan team, which is being hailed as the strongest squad the nation has ever assembled for this stage of the competition. The team’s lineup includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, many of whom are based overseas in Australia and New Zealand.

One of the standout players in the squad is Kyah Cahill, son of Australian football legend Tim Cahill. He is expected to play a crucial role in Samoa’s campaign. Another key player is 36-year-old defender Andrew Setefano, who is on the brink of becoming Samoa’s all-time most capped player. Additionally, 17-year-old Pharrell Trainor, currently playing for SC Viktoria Griesheim in Germany, and 18-year-old midfielder Alex Malauulu, who is with CA San Jorge in Argentina, bring youthful energy and international experience to the team.

CHECK SAMOA’S FULL SQUAD FOR THE OFC NATIONS CUP 🇼🇸

The squad also features players from prominent clubs in New Zealand, including Harry Chote and Luke Tolo-Kent from Miramar Rangers, as well as Niko Steinmentz and Faiti Hamilton-Paama from Western Springs. In Australia, 20-year-old Greg Siamoa represents the NPL side Green Gully and striker Juan Gobbi is currently at Sydney Olympic.

Samoa’s journey to this stage of the OFC Nations Cup began in the qualifying rounds, where they successfully overcame Tonga and Cook Islands. This achievement has set high expectations for the team as they head into the group stage matches.

As Samoa prepares for its first group match in Suva, fans and supporters eagerly await to see how this strong lineup will perform on the regional stage. The team’s progress in the tournament will be closely followed, with hopes high for a better campaign than in previous participations at this stage of th OFC Nations Cup.