Tonga will play in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Tahiti later this year after an impressive 16-0 victory over American Samoa on the last day of qualifying action in Nuku’alofa.
Following their 1-0 win against the Solomon Islands on match day one, Mark Uhatahi and his side knew that simply avoiding defeat would suffice in their bid to advance to the tournament in Papeete.
They more than held up their end of the bargain, with qualification assured before half-time, thanks to a flurry of goals in the first period.
Captain Tamaa Faletau was again at the centre of most of Tonga’s attacking intent, scoring four times in the opening 45 minutes. She was joined on the scoresheet by Gabriela Filimoeatu – who opened the scoring – as well as Gabriela’s sister Cienna. A double from Kuria Malohifo’ou and a free-kick from Anela Makaafi gave the hosts an unassailable 9-0 lead at the break.
Faletau added her fifth and her team’s tenth just over ten minutes into the second-half, before substitute Anna Pongi scored from just inside the penalty area to keep the score ticking.
Further goals from Malohifo’ou, Pongi, an own goal and Crystal Sime continued the dominance as Tonga finished with sixteen to ensure they will join the seven other nations already qualified for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 in Tahiti.
Solomon Islands missed out and will surely look back at what could have been, following that disappointing defeat to Tonga on match day one.
Tonga: 16 (Gabriela FILIMOEATU 6′, Tamaa Faletau 10′, 19′, 26′, 30′ 56′ 64′, Kuria MALOHIFO’OU 17, 45+5′ 86′, Anela MAKAAFI 29′, Cienna FILIMOEATU 45+3′, Anna PONGI 62′ 80′, Own Goal 70′, Crystal SIME 71′)
American Samoa: 0
HT: 9-0
