The Samoan football team are through to the Stage 2 of the OFC 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers on goal difference, after a dramatic conclusion to the first stage tournament in Tonga.

Samoa, American Samoa and Cook Islands were all locked at 6 points after round robin of competition but Samoa qualifies with a better goal difference.

In yesterday’s matches, Samoa beat hosts Tonga 3-0 while American Samoa edged the Cooks 2-0.

The stage two of qualifiers takes place in June next year in which Fiji will also take part.