Tonga’s National Women Football, Mataliki was defeated by Samoa 2-0 during their opening game, at the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup in Suva.

The Oceania Football Confederation reported, that the game held at HFC Bank Stadium on 13 July, represented a return to international football for many after years of disruption.

A long-range effort from Samoa's captain Monique Fischer and individual brilliance from Jayda Stewart led Samoa to victory.

Tonga’s defence shaped up for a cross when Fischer stepped up to take a free kick from 30 yards out. However, the Samoa captain’s long-range effort was goal-bound and slipped through the hands of Tonga goalie Mele'ana Taufa to give the Samoan side the lead, said OFC.

Team Mataliki will now face the Cook Islands on Saturday, 16 July. While, Samoa has its final group game against the Cook Islands on 19 July.

Tonga, Team Mataliki

1. Mele'ana Taufa
2. Meleseini Tufui
3. 'Ofaloto La'akulu
4. 'Ana Lauteau
5. Patiola Tonga
8. Fololeni Siale
11. Jasmine Loto'aniu
12. Lositika Feke
14. Siunipa Talasinga
18. Laveni Vaka
22. Kiana Swift

Substitutes

Medison Tenifa
Finehika Finau
Alexandra Fifita
Naomi Palanite
Hehea Taufa
Penateti Feke
Toakase Kaufusi