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Tahiti will face off against Samoa at HFC Bank Stadium in the OFC Nations Cup on Sunday. Both teams will open the floor in Group B of this edition.
Tahiti vs Samoa Preview
The OFC Men's Nations Cup returns after a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19, which led to the cancellation of the 2020 edition. New Zealand won the last edition in 2016. Tahiti were unable to defend their 2012 title in 2016, finishing in ninth place. Seven teams will be competing in this edition instead of eight following the withdrawal of New Caledonia.
Toa Aito are playing their first match of the year and will hope to maintain their impressive form of last year. They honoured eight fixtures in 2023, winning six, drawing one and losing one. Tahiti are yet to lose or draw against Samoa, and will be looking to extend their head-to-head supremacy in this clash.
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Samoa are the only team in the tournament to qualify through the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup qualification. The others earned automatic qualification. Samoa will aim to progress beyond the group stage for the first time. However, Group B includes other top sides like hosts Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Samoa seem to be in good shape, as they will begin their campaign on the back of three straight wins. They have scored 18 goals and conceded just three in their last five matches in all competitions. Could that be an indication of a good defence? We shall see. Samoa will also be aiming to break their jinx against Tahiti.
Tahiti vs Samoa Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Tahiti have won all of their three matches played against Samoa in all competitions.
- Tahiti boast 10 participations in the OFC Men's Nations Cup since their debut in 1973.
- Tahiti have been OFC Men's Nations Cup runners-up three times alongside one title.
- Samoa are taking part in the competition for the fourth time since their debut in 2012.
- Tahiti have won four times and drawn once in their last five matches while Samoa have won four times and lost once. Form Guide: Tahiti – W-W-W-D-W, Samoa – W-W-W-L-W.
Tahiti vs Samoa Prediction
Tahiti will strive to claim maximum points in their opening game as they aim for an early momentum in the tournament. They will take confidence from their past record against Samoa.
Samoa will likely deploy a defensive approach against Tahiti and seek for goals through counterattacks.
Tahiti are expected to come out on top based on form.
Prediction: Tahiti 3-1 Samoa
Tahiti vs Samoa Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Tahiti to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Tahiti to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Samoa to score - Yes
