Mate Ma’a Tonga narrowly defeated Lebanon (24 – 22) tonight 18 November in the quarter-finals of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The defiant Lebanese almost caused a dramatic upset, scoring the last try of the game in the 69^th minute of the final whistle. Mate Ma’a Tonga failed to score a try in the second half, leading 22 – 18 at halftime.

Mate Ma’a Tonga initially looked to be heading towards a comfortable victory when Tuimoala Lolohea scored the first try of the game in the 3^rd minute. However, Lebanon hit back with a try in the 8th minute.

Mate Ma’a Tonga regained the lead after winger David Fusitu’a scored a try in the 18th minute. A try by Will Hopoate a few minutes later, extended Tonga’s lead to 16-6.

Lebanon refused to be demoralized and responded with a try in the 29^th minute to close the score to 16 – 12. Two minutes later, Fusitu’a scored his second try to put Tonga ahead 22 – 12. Lebanon again responded with a try on the stroke of half-time to close the score to 22 – 16.

In the second-half, Mate Ma’a Tonga converted a penalty to extend the lead to 24 -16. Lebanon scored the only try of the second-half in the 68th minute to close the score to 24 – 22. Mate Ma’a Tonga held on to the ball in the dying seconds after Lebanon conceded a knock-on in the 79^th minute.

Tonga’s semi-final opponent will be the winner of tomorrow's game between Papua New Guinea and England in Melbourne, Australia.

Tonga Tryscorers

Tuimoala Lolohea, David Fusitu’a (2), Will Hopoate

Lebanon Tryscorers

Abbas Miski, James Elias, Adam Doueihi (2)