Friendship, fun and fine football were all on display as Tonga Under 19 Women hosted Australia’s Westfield Junior Matildas in a historic international at the Tonga Football Academy on Tongatapu today.

The Australians prevailed 6-nil in a competitive match played in front a big and colourful crowd and featuring some outstanding goalkeeping from Tonga’s Carollyne Fotu.

Many local fans turned out in Australian colours and sang “Aussie” chants to make the visitors feel welcome.

Westfield Junior Matildas Coach Rae Dower said the Junior Matildas will long remember their time in Tonga.

“We really enjoyed playing with and against the Tongan team,” she said.

“The Tongan Football Association were wonderful hosts and while we are firmly focused on qualifying for the (FIFA Under 17) World Cup, the friendships we have made and the culture we have experienced here has made it very special.

“There was some great football played today and I am looking forward to seeing this Tongan team grow and develop. They showed a lot of determination and did the Kingdom proud.”

The Australians head to New Zealand tonight and Vanuatu tomorrow before finishing their three-match Pacific Step Up tour in the Solomon Islands.

This tour has been made possible through a partnership between Football Federation Australia, the Australian Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of the ‘Pacific Step-Up’ and the Australia Pacific Sports Linkages Program.