Tonga was defeated by Vanuatu 5-0 in its opening game at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2023 at Lautoka on 21 June. 

Oceania Football Confederation reported that Vanuatu got off to the perfect start to their championship with a convincing victory over Tonga.

Tonga now faces a must-win encounter with Samoa on Saturday, 24 June.

Meanwhile, 10 nations from across the region will compete across three groups (one of four teams, two of three) to be crowned champions. 

Off the back of a hugely successful inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League in Papua New Guinea, women’s football is again in the spotlight as the region’s brightest young talents meet for the first time since the 2019 championship.

New Zealand will be looking to defend the title they won in 2019, where a 5-2 victory over New Caledonia in the Cook Islands saw them clinch their 7th championship. Also on offer for the tournament winners is a qualification place in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

This championship is Fiji’s first time as hosts, with the championship returning following a Covid-enforced cancellation in 2021.

Matches are being played at both Churchill Park in Lautoka and HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with the latter hosting the tournament from the knockout onwards.

Tonga U-19

Starting XI

Madison Tenifa
Saloma Holika
Oko Ta’ufo’ou
Lusitania Koloa (c)
‘Ana Fakavai
Tama’a Faletau
Anita Hufanga
Lesieli Moala
Malia Moeaki
Seini ‘Akau
Toakase Tupou

Substitutes

Manukailopa Mailangi
Grystal Fotu
Melaia Polovili
'Ana Talasinga
Meliame Fakahau
Leeann Taufa’ao
Lu’isa Mahe
Tilesa Tamale
Telia Fotu