Football : Tonga and Cook Islands draw [1]
Friday, June 12, 2009 - 22:15. Updated on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 14:29.
Tonga's National Football Team came to a 1 all draw with the Cook Islands National Football Team in their first of two international matches held at the National Centre in Atele on June 11.
The match kicked off at 4:00pm and Cook's Joseph Ngauora defied the Tongan defence to secure its first goal in the 29th minute of the match.
The Tongans fought back and Ma'ake 'Uhatahi equalised the score with a goal 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Tonga Football Association said in a Press Release today, with a scoreboard at 1-1 the second half was even more competitive with both teams under pressure to break the deadlock.
Tongan Coach Kilifi Uele said they had to win the game. "We had so many golden opportunities and didn't utilise them and ended up with a draw, but I am happy with the result."
Maurice Tillotson the Cook Islands Head Coach saw the draw as a great teaser. "This sets pace for Saturday's match and is a great development game for both teams."
The second and final friendly match will kick off at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 13 at the same field.