TONGA have qualified for OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 in Tahiti later this year after an impressive 16-0 victory over American Samoa on the last day of OFC Under-19 Women’s Qualifying Championship in Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Thursday.
Solomon Islands was hoping for the American Samoans to defeat Tonga in order to qualify for the championships in Tahiti, but Tonga’s victory has left Solomon Islands in the cold.
Solomon Islands were defeated by Tonga, 1-0 on Match Day One, but triumphed over the American Samoans, 7-0 on Match Day 2 and pinned their hopes in American Samoa beating the hosts to make their way to Tahiti.
Following Tonga’s 1-0 win against Solomon Islands, Coach Mark Uhatahi and his side knew that simply avoiding defeat would suffice in their bid to advance to the tournament in Papeete.
They more than held up their end of the bargain, with qualification assured before half-time, thanks to a flurry of goals in the first period.
Captain Tamaa Faletau was again at the centre of most of Tonga’s attacking intent, scoring four times in the opening 45 minutes.
She was joined on the scoresheet by Gabriela Filimoeatu – who opened the scoring – as well as Gabriela’s sister Cienna. A double from Kuria Malohifo’ou and a free-kick from Anela Makaafi gave the hosts an unassailable 9-0 lead at the break.
Faletau added her fifth and her team’s tenth just over ten minutes into the second-half, before substitute Anna Pongi scored from just inside the penalty area to keep the score ticking.
Further goals from Malohifo’ou, Pongi, an own goal and Crystal Sime continued the dominance as Tonga finished with sixteen to ensure they will join the seven other nations already qualified for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 in Tahiti.
The OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 will be held from September 21 to October 4.
Solomon Islands miss out and will surely look back at what could have been, following that disappointing defeat to Tonga on match day one.
Photo caption: The hosts Tonga celebrating their victory. Photo Credit: OFC Media via Tonga Football Association
