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Cook Islands national football team

(Redirected from Cook Islands men's national football team)

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Cook Islands women's national football team.

The Cook Islands men's national football team is the men's football team that represents the Cook Islands in international competition since 1971. It is governed by the Cook Islands Football Association which is part of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and FIFA.

Cook Islands
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Soka Kuki Airani
AssociationCook Islands
Football Association
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachJess Ibrom
CaptainGrover Harmon
Most capsTony Jamieson (22)
Top scorerTaylor Saghabi (7)
Home stadiumAvarua Tereora Stadium
FIFA codeCOK
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 191 Steady (24 October 2024)[1]
Highest166 (October 2015)
Lowest207 (April–July 2015)
First international
 Papua New Guinea 16–1 Cook Islands 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 11 September 1971)
Biggest win
 Cook Islands 3–0 American Samoa 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 12 June 2000)
 Cook Islands 4–1 Tuvalu 
(Apia, Samoa; 1 September 2007)
 Cook Islands 3–0 Kiribati 
(Boulari, New Caledonia; 1 September 2011)
 Tonga 0–3 Cook Islands 
(Nukuʻalofa, Tonga; 31 August 2015)
Biggest defeat
 Tahiti 30–0 Cook Islands 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 13 September 1971)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances2 (first in 1998)
Best resultGroup stage (1998, 2000)
Pacific Games
Appearances5 (first in 1971)
Best resultSixth place (1971)
Polynesia Cup
Appearances2 (first in 1998)
Best resultRunners-up (1998, 2000)

The nation has participated in seven FIFA World Cup qualification attempts since their first attempt back in 1998. They have qualified for the OFC Nations Cup twice in 1998 and 2000 OFC Nations Cup with both appearances seeing no wins from their four games that they have played.

History

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Beginnings (1971–1995)

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Despite being absent from the first three editions of the South Pacific Games, the geographical proximity of the Cook Islands with French Polynesia, host of the 1971 South Pacific Games, allowed the Cookian team to take part in the tournament. In the first round they were defeated 16–1 by Papua New Guinea and 30–0 by Tahiti, while in the match for fifth place, they fell to Fiji 15–1.

They next played a match in 1995 when proximity allowed them to participate again in the 1995 South Pacific Games. During the tournament they earned their first win, a 2–1 win over Wallis and Futuna, but lost their other four clashes resoundingly.

The two OFC Nations Cup (1996–2001)

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The Cook Islands qualified for their first Oceania Nations Cup after finishing second in the 1998 Polynesia Cup, which they hosted. They faced Australia and Fiji in Group B, in what proved to be a tough draw. Australia crushed the Cook Islands 16–0 in their first match, scoring eight goals either side of the interval. In their next match against Fiji, however, the Cook Islands acquitted themselves much better, losing only 3–0, but with two defeats from two matches they failed to make the semi-finals.

In finishing 2nd at the 2000 Polynesia Cup, the Cook Islands also qualified for the OFC Nations Cup. They were drawn in Group A along with the Solomon Islands, and again, Australia. After their heavy defeat at the hands of Australia in the previous tournament, the Cook Islands hoped to avoid a repeat performance. However, they were powerless to prevent their opponents from running rampant, this time to the tune of 17–0. The Solomon Islands were up next, and in this game the Cook Islands had the consolation of scoring their first goal at the Oceania Nations Cup – the only bright spot in an otherwise bleak 5–1 defeat. After two defeats, then, the Cooks Islands again went out at the group stage.

Decline (2002–present)

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They next entered qualification for the 2004 tournament however they lost all four matches and failed to progress.

They returned to the South Pacific Games for the 2007 competition where they could only beat Tuvalu 4–1. Four years later, at Nouméa 2011, they defeated Kiribati 3–0, but lost their other three meetings; while in 2012 OFC Nations Cup qualification they drew with American Samoa and fell to Samoa and Tonga.

In the 2016 OFC Nations Cup qualifiers, they beat Tonga 3–1 and Samoa 1–0, but fell in the last game against American Samoa 2-0, which relegated the Cook Islands to third place, surpassed on goal difference by both Samoas.

In March 2022, the Cook Islands played their first match in seven years when they lost 2–0 to the Solomon Islands in qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, they had to withdraw from their remaining matches due to a COVID-19 outbreak.[3][4]

On 28 August 2023, Cook Islands resumed their international matches playing against Tahiti but suffered a 9–1 heavy defeat to Tahiti at the Stade Pater Te Hono Nui in Pirae.

Kit sponsorship

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Kit supplier Period
  Adidas 2002–2004
  Lotto 2007–2012
  Onu Football 2015–2020
  KPI Sports 2020–

Source:[5][6]

Results and fixtures

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Main article: Cook Islands national football team results

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

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21 November 2023 Pacific Games Tonga   1–2   Cook Islands Honiara, Solomon Islands
16:00 UTC+11
  • Kendler   71'
 Report
Stadium: SIFF Academy Field
Referee: David Yareboinen (Papua New Guinea)
24 November 2023 Pacific Games Cook Islands   0–8   New Caledonia Honiara, Solomon Islands
16:00 UTC+11 Report
Stadium: SIFF Academy Field
Referee: Kavitesh Behari (Fiji)

2024

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23 March 2024 OFC Nations Cup qualification Samoa   1–0   Cook Islands Nuku'alofa, Tonga
11:00
Report Stadium: Teufaiva Stadium
Attendance: 300
Referee: Pari Oito (Tahiti)
26 March 2024 OFC Nations Cup qualification Cook Islands   1–0   Tonga Nuku'alofa, Tonga
14:00
Report Stadium: Teufaiva Stadium
Attendance: 500
Referee: Laurie Fairamoa (Solomon Islands)
6 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Cook Islands   1–3   Tonga Apia, Samoa
11:00 UTC+13
[7][8]
Stadium: FFS Football Stadium
Attendance: 300
Referee: Calvin Berg (New Zealand)
9 September Friendly Cook Islands   1–2   American Samoa Apia, Samoa
11:00 UTC+13 Kaufononga   83' Report (OFC)
Stadium: FFS Football Stadium
Attendance: 400
Referee: Kavitesh Behari (Fiji)

Coaches

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Current squad

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The following players were called up for the 2023 Pacific Games.[9]

Caps and goals are correct as of 30 November 2023, after the match against Samoa.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Tahiri Elikana (1988-09-14) 14 September 1988 (age 36) 12 0   Nikao Sokattak
20 1GK Ngereine Maro (2005-03-20) 20 March 2005 (age 19) 2 0   Western Suburbs
2 2DF Sunai Joseph (1998-02-20) 20 February 1998 (age 26) 4 0   Tupapa Maraerenga
4 2DF Jarves Aperau (1997-11-21) 21 November 1997 (age 26) 1 0   Puaikura
7 2DF Paavo Mustonen (1989-11-10) 10 November 1989 (age 34) 15 0   Tupapa Maraerenga
8 2DF Orin Ruaine-Prattley (1997-11-03) 3 November 1997 (age 27) 5 0   Brooklyn Northern United
15 2DF Avi Enoka (2001-11-01) 1 November 2001 (age 23) 4 0   Tupapa Maraerenga
16 2DF Nuku Mokoroa (2004-05-15) 15 May 2004 (age 20) 0 0   Nikao Sokattak
19 2DF Dwayne Tiputoa (1997-12-08) 8 December 1997 (age 26) 5 1   Tupapa Maraerenga
5 3MF Alex McGregor (1989-08-27) 27 August 1989 (age 35) 4 0   Central United
10 3MF Grover Harmon (1989-08-09) 9 August 1989 (age 35) 14 1   Tupapa Maraerenga
12 3MF Akiona Tairi (1990-05-16) 16 May 1990 (age 34) 4 0   Titikaveka
13 3MF Tremaine Rimene-Albrett (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 22) 2 1   Douglas Villa
18 3MF Lee Harmon Jr. (2001-10-23) 23 October 2001 (age 23) 5 0   Tupapa Maraerenga
3 4FW Siaosi Kaufononga (1995-02-20) 20 February 1995 (age 29) 2 0   Tupapa Maraerenga
9 4FW Daniel Taokia (1998-12-22) 22 December 1998 (age 25) 4 0   Tupapa Maraerenga
11 4FW Taylor Saghabi (1990-12-25) 25 December 1990 (age 33) 15 6   Tupapa Maraerenga
14 4FW Dalziel Beal (2005-04-26) 26 April 2005 (age 19) 4 0   Matavera

Player records

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As of 26 March 2024[10]
Players in bold are still active with Cook Islands.

Most appearances

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Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Tony Jamieson 22 0 2000–2011
2 John Pareanga 20 2 1998–2011
3 Taylor Saghabi 17 7 2011–present
4 Paavo Mustonen 16 0 2007–present
5 Joseph Chambers 14 0 1996–2004
Grover Harmon 14 1 2009–present
7 Mark Jamieson 13 1 2000–2004
Christian Tauira 13 0 1998–2004
9 Tahiri Elikana 12 0 2011–present
Joseph Miitamariki 12 0 2007–2011
Stenter Mani 12 2 1996–2001
James Nand 12 0 1996–2001
Daniel Shepherd 12 1 2000–2007
Nikorima Te Miha 12 2 1998–2011

Top goalscorers

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Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Taylor Saghabi 7 17 0.41 2011–present
2 Joseph Ngauora 3 8 0.38 2009–2011
Campbell Best 3 11 0.27 2009–2015
4 Teariki Mateariki 2 6 0.33 2004–2007
Stenter Mani 2 12 0.17 1996–2001
Nikorima Te Miha 2 12 0.17 1998–2011
John Pareanga 2 20 0.1 1998–2011

Competition record

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup Qualification
Year Host Round Pld W D L F A Pos. Pld W D L F A
1930 to 1994 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1998   France Did not qualify First round 2 0 0 2 1 4
2002   South Korea
  Japan 		First round 4 0 0 4 2 25
2006   Germany First round 4 0 0 4 1 17
2010   South Africa First round 4 1 0 3 4 9
2014   Brazil First round 3 0 1 2 4 6
2018   Russia First round 3 2 0 1 4 2
2022   Qatar Withdrew Withdrew
2026   Canada
  Mexico
  United States 		Did not qualify First round 1 0 0 1 1 3
2030   Morocco
  Portugal
  Spain 		To be determined To be determined
2034   Saudi Arabia
Total – – – – – – – 0/7 21 3 1 17 17 66

OFC Nations Cup

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Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
  1973 Did not enter Did not enter
  1980
  1996
  1998 Group stage 6th 2 0 0 2 0 19 Squad 4 2 1 1 8 11
  2000 6th 2 0 0 2 1 22 Squad 4 3 0 1 8 5
  2002 Withdrew Withdrew
  2004 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 1 17
  2008 4 1 0 3 4 9
  2012 3 0 1 2 4 6
  2016 3 2 0 1 4 2
    2024 2 1 0 1 1 1
Total Group stage 2/11 4 0 0 4 1 41 — 24 9 2 13 20 51

Pacific Games

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Pacific Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
1963 to 1969 did not enter
  1971 Group Stage 6th 3 0 0 3 2 61
1975 to 1991 did not enter
  1995 Group stage 7th 4 1 0 3 2 37
  2003 did not enter
  2007 Group stage 8th 4 1 0 3 4 9
  2011 9th 4 1 0 3 4 15
  2015 N/A – tournament was U23
  2019 did not enter
  2023[note 1] Group stage 8th 2 1 0 1 2 9
Total 5/16 0 Titles 17 4 0 13 14 131
  1. ^ The Cook Islands men's national team were withdrew by the federation after the elimination from the group stage citing travelling issues for coming back from Honiara. The team didn't play the 5th place semi-final, nor the 7th place final

Polynesia Cup

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Polynesia Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
 1994 did not enter
  1998 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 1 1 8 11
  2000 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 8 5
Total 2/3 0 Titles 8 5 1 2 16 16

Head-to-head record

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Up to matches played on 5 September 2024.

Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD WPCT
  American Samoa 4 2 1 1 8 6 +2 50.00
  Australia 2 0 0 2 0 33 −33 0.00
  Fiji 4 0 0 4 2 26 −24 0.00
  Kiribati 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 100.00
  New Caledonia 4 0 0 4 0 28 −28 0.00
  New Zealand 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0.00
  Papua New Guinea 2 0 0 2 1 20 −19 0.00
  Samoa[a] 7 3 1 3 9 9 0 42.86
  Solomon Islands 5 0 0 5 2 37 −35 0.00
  Tahiti 10 0 0 10 1 76 −75 0.00
  Tonga 11 5 2 4 16 15 +1 45.45
  Tuvalu 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100.00
  Vanuatu 1 0 0 1 1 8 −7 0.00
  Wallis and Futuna 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100.00
Total 54 13 4 37 49 262 −213 24.07
Source: Results
Notes:
  1. ^ Includes results as Western Samoa.

Historical kits

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1995 Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1995 Away
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2001 Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2007 Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2007 Away
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 Away
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2022 Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2022 Away

Honours

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Regional

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Sources

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[11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Cook Islands vs Solomon Islands". Elevensports. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Update on FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers". Oceania Football Confederation. 23 March 2022. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  5. ^ "Antigo(a) Cook Islands camisas de futebol". Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  6. ^ "KPI Sports". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  7. ^ "Cook Islands vs Tonga". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Cook Islands vs Tonga". Oceania Football Confederation. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Match report" (PDF). OFC.
  10. ^ "Cook Islands". National Football Teams.
  11. ^ "1999".
  12. ^ "1999".
  13. ^ "2001".
  14. ^ "2007".
  15. ^ "2007". Facebook.
  16. ^ "2011".
  17. ^ "2015".
  18. ^ "2015".
  19. ^ "2022". 19 March 2022.
  20. ^ "2022".
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