RNZI reports Cook Islands went into the final round of matches with a maximum six points, two clear of Samoa, and only needed a draw to stay top and advance to next year's full Oceania Championship in Tahiti.
The scores were locked at 0-0 until the 90th minute when Osa Savelio put the home side in front before captain Willie Saulima sealed the result in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
