Tonga was defeated 0-8 by host nation Tahiti who performed a stunning second half second-half display, during the opening game of the OFC U-19 Championship 2022, at Stade Pater on 9 September.

OFC reported that Tahiti took the lead after 25 minutes with Mathis Boube’s six-minute hat-trick stole the show as the 2018 runner-ups began their 2022 campaign, on 9 September.

Despite the setback, Tonga frustrated their hosts in the opening 45 and nearly equalised on two occasions.

Tonga's Herick Funaki almost made Tahiti stopper Anapa Debruyne pay for his overly relaxed goalkeeping before Debruyne bravely dived at the feet of Tomasi Teu, and denied Tonga a leveller.

A bizarre goal early in the second period set Tahiti on their way to a commanding victory.

With Tonga tired, Tahiti's Boube took full advantage for Tahiti, with a six-minute hat-trick putting the game to bed. While, Hauroa Morgant’s penalty-kick, and close-range finished from Tekaki Sangue and Kahutia Pautu secured Tahiti’s win.

The host's next scheduled match is against face Papua New Guinea.

While, Tonga meets Fiji and Papua New Guinea next in their Group B of the fixtures.

Tonga have also not won a game at this stage of the competition, since a 2-0 triumph over Papua New Guinea in 2001.

Tonga team

Starting XI 

• Nimilote Moala
• Feleti Lonitenisi
• ‘Ulukaulupe ‘Akolo
• Christopher Kefu (captain) 
• Sosefo Mailangi
• ‘Amoni Fifita 
• Herick Funaki
• Penisimani Latu
• Motu Pasikala
• Tomasi Teu 

Subsititutes

• Viliami Li
• ‘Unaloto ‘Aho 
• Maclean Veatupou 
• Napoleone Hala
• Michael Fotu
• Manamo’ui Halahingano
• Kotoni Talia’uli
• Fakaofo Tonga
• Kipione Fetuiaki
• Petelo Naniseni