The American Samoa women’s football team has undergone a remarkable transformation, progressing from a 21-0 defeat in 1998 to a place in the final round of Oceania World Cup qualification. Captain Alma Mana’o reflects on a journey that has seen her side defy expectations and emerge as a dark horse in the competition.
Ranked 153rd in the world and with a population of just 45,319, American Samoa entered the qualifying tournament as the lowest-ranked team in the Oceania Football Confederation. However, they stunned Tonga 3-0 in November, with 18-year-old Cassidy Drago scoring the nation’s first ever Women’s World Cup qualifying goal, and followed that with a victory over Cook Islands to reach the second round.
In the second round, American Samoa pulled off one of the greatest shocks in qualifying history by beating Solomon Islands 1-0, despite having lost 7-1 to the same opponents in Olympic qualifying. A subsequent 1-0 win over Samoa secured their place in the final round, where they will face Papua New Guinea on Sunday in Auckland.
Under the guidance of former US Olympic gold medallist Amanda Cromwell, who has overseen four wins in five games, the team has embraced a new standard. Mana’o praised Cromwell’s impact, saying, “This doesn’t happen without her pushing the federation to get us all together, to have certain meal plans, to have a trainer making sure we’re taken care of.”
Mana’o, who made her debut for American Samoa at age 15 in an 8-0 defeat, now sees young players like Mia Toeaina and Naiyah Ve’e enjoying positive experiences. She described the team’s journey as moving “from underdog to dark horse,” and expressed confidence in the direction under Cromwell.
