The Tonga Football Association stated that the Cooks scored their first goal just three minutes into the game with a perfectly weighted long 30 yards shot by striker Campbell Best before doubling their lead with yet another goal by right midfielder Joseph Ngauora, eight minutes into the game.

With such a strong lead early in the first half, the Cook Islanders did not look back, but the Tongans were throwing in all they had and three minutes into the second half, striker Ma'ake 'Uhatahi scored Tonga's first and only goal.

Cook Islands coach Maurice Tillotson was delighted with his team's strong performance and was pleased with their application to the game plan.

"We generated a lot of good chances today and with better finishing we would have been up to 3-nil halftime. It was error that put Tonga back in the game in the second half and we put excess pressure on ourselves by letting Tongans back in the game."

He said their game plan was that they wanted Tonga to come at them and then counter, which worked well. "The Tongans were very competitive and put in big efforts in both games which have been a great experience for our teams", he added.

Tongan Assistance Coach Lui Muavesi said his team struggled to adjust to the absence of two key injured defenders but praised the effort of both teams.

"It was an entertaining game there was a 50/50 possession, the Cooks were skilful and better prepared than us but I am very pleased with keeper Kaneti Felala."

Felala made excellent diving saves for Tonga throughout the game.