Tonga’s National Women Football Team, Mataliki had a draw 1-1 with Cook Islands, in its second match at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in Suva.

OFC reported that the powerful effort from Kiana Swift earned Tonga the crucial draw against the Cooks in their Group A encounter, at HFC stadium on 16 July.

Samoa then defeated Cook Islands 1-0 in their group’s final match on 19 July.

“This not all bad news for the Cook Islands, as the result also ensures their progression to the quarter-finals after finishing second in the group, ahead of Tonga on goal difference."

Tonga who was defeated by Samoa in its first match will know their fate, after today's final group stage matches.

Meanwhile, Fiji, PNG, Samoa and Cook Islands have all advanced to the quarterfinals.

Group matches

Nine teams are competing in this tournament.

In group A, Polynesian rivals Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa have faced off.

Group B has the highest-ranked nation PNG against Tahiti and Vanuatu. While, in Group C has Fiji against New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

The winners will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs with a chance to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Reigning champions New Zealand are therefore not taking part, having already qualified for the FIFA World Cup as co-hosts.

This year’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup is guaranteed to have first-time winners.