Tonga and Vanuatu tied in exciting match

Tonga celebrates first try of the game. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 7 May 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Tonga and Vanuatu tied (2-2) in their second game of the OFC U-16 qualifiers tournament at Teufaiva Stadium, NUku'alofa, today, 6 May 2025.

Tonga’s no. 22, Siolei Veatapu scored the first points, after his teammate, Siaki Lonitenisi quickly set him up for the goal on the 20^th minute.

Siaki Lonitenisi kicked and scored another goal, giving Tonga a promising 2-0 head start against Vanuatu.

However, Vanuatu played harder in the second half causing Tonga’s defence to weaken, allowing Vanuatu’s no. 15 Nelson Tawia to score their first goal in the 70^th minute.

This was followed by another goal for Vanuatu, scored by no. 17, Wycliff Larvel, which was brilliantly set up by his teammate no.22 Alexis Wolton.

This equalised the score 2-2 by the end of the match.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea leads the qualifier tournament with two wins, and Vanuatu following with two ties against Tonga and American Samoa.

Tonga ties Vanuatu on second day of the OFC U-16 qualifiers tournament. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 7 May 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Fonua Moala. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 7 May 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga.