Papua New Guinea has taken the final spot at the OFC U-16 Mens Championship 2025, to be held in the Solomon Islands in August, after winning two matches against Tonga and American Samoa at the qualifying campaign, this month, 3-9 May, in Nuku'alofa.

Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and American Samoa concluded their qualifying campaign for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 in two final matches on Friday, 9 May, at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.

Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea were drawn 0-0. Vanuatu performed well against a strong Papua New Guinea side. However, Papua New Guinea had already confirmed their entry to the tournament, with two earlier wins against Tonga and American Samoa.

Preparations now begin for Papua New Guinea, as they look ahead to the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship. They will join Group A, alongside Cook Islands, Fiji and Tahiti.

Tonga won match

Meanwhile, during last week's qualifiers in Nuku'alofa, Tonga saved their best performance for last with an excellent 5-1 win over American Samoa to close off their qualifying campaign

Tonga secured a strong victory against American Samoa in an engaging match. They started quickly, with Benton Setefano scoring in the opening minutes. Sioeli Veatupu nearly extended Tonga's lead, but his powerful shot was well saved by the American Samoan goalkeeper, Taalo Lauofo.

American Samoa pressure paid off just after the half hour mark. Pati Faleagafulu showing great touch and pace before firing past Gordon Li to level the scores.

Tonga would regain the lead just past the hour mark in a second-half that provided an uptick in energy and intensity. Substitute Fonua Moala began an attack inside his own half and ended it sweeping home from close range after an initial smart save from Lauofo.

American Samoa managed to level the score just after the half-hour mark, thanks to a fine effort from Pati Faleagafulu. However, Tonga regained the lead in the second half when substitute Fonua Moala finished off a good attacking move.

The home side further increased their advantage less than ten minutes later. Following a corner, Siaki Lonitenisi delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which Sitaleki Kautai converted from close range.

American Samoa's chances of a comeback were diminished when their captain, Tau Lealuga, received a second yellow card. Lonitenisi, who assisted Tonga's third goal, then scored himself with a well-placed shot. Kautai added his second goal in stoppage time, sealing a comfortable win for Tonga.