The Solomon Islands have beaten an improved American Samoa 7-1 to keep in the hunt for a place in the semi-finals at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament –  Oceania Qualifier in Apia.

The Batram Suri-coached side now have four points in Group A with destiny in their own hands ahead of Tuesday’s final group game against Fiji.

Striker Lorina Solosaia was the star of the show, scoring a first half hat-trick and finishing with five goals for the match.

American Samoa goalkeeper Destiny Kapisi made a string of fine saves, whilst substitute Lela Waetin scored her side’s first goal of the tournament late in the second half with a beautifully composed finish with her right foot, finding the left-hand corner of the net.

The American Samoa side had a limited preparation for the tournament, but with a game under their belt were much improved from the 10-0 opening day defeat by Fiji. Forward Morgan Patea and captain Aailyah Tu’ufa in midfield were dangerous and created several half-chances.

The Solomon Islands eager to boost their goal difference pushed players forward in the second half. It took them 13 minutes to add to their tally when Almah Gogoni latched onto a superb cross from Pegi across the six-yard box to beat Kapisi and tap into the goal.

After Patea blasted over the bar for the American Samoans, Solosaia grabbed her fourth 18 minutes from full time. Two minutes later she had her fifth and best of the match, an audacious shot from an angle 30 metres out lobbed Kapisi into the top right-hand corner of the net. Jemima David completed the Solomon Islands scoring in the 82^nd minute before Waetin struck her consolation goal.