The Tonga U19 men’s soccer team defeated the Cook Islands 3 – 0 in the first round of the 2018 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) U-19 Championship Qualifiers in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Poor discipline proved costly for the Cook Islands team – who suffered four yellow cards and one red card. Two of Tonga’s goals came off the boot of penalty kicks.

Team Tonga’s first goal was scored by Tevita Kau in 17^th minute. Two penalties were later converted by Mohammad Rajani in the 24^th and 38^th minute. A Cook Island player was red carded late in the second-half.

Tonga’s coach Soane Malia said in a media statement following the game,

“Our play in the first half was to protect our defence and when we got our opportunities on the counter we tried to score,”

“We knew that that Cook Islands always take the lead in these matches before, but we have a vision we have a goal, we work together and we’ve been looking better throughout our preparations and we believe in what we are doing.”

The tournament consists of four countries Tonga, Samoa, American Samoa and the Cook Islands. The winner will qualify for the OFC U-19 Championships in Tahiti in August this year.

Team Tonga will play American Samoa tomorrow. American Samoa were defeated by Samoa 3 – 0 in the first round.
 

Tonga U19 Soccer Team (Men’s)

Semisi Otukolo, Petueli Tokotaha, Sione Tuifangaloka, Ofa Kite, Tevita Vakatapu, Kalakaua Faiva'ilo, Tevita Kau, Mohammad Rajani, Viliami Tukia, Anthony Likiliki, Vai Lutu, Tevita Sili, Opesi Tu'ifangaloka, Sione Va'enuku, Meimeite Siale, Tellos Kaufusi, Atunaisa Namoa, Setafano Vaomo'unga, Sionela Lui