OFC Media via Phototek

Tonga goes one step further than 2023 to finish third at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.

Tonga had to contend with the early loss of Tyra Bagiante, who had to withdraw from the game shortly before kickoff. Her replacement, Sophiana Moala, worked hard up top for the Future Mataliki.

New Caledonia in dominated the early stages, feeding their attacking focal point Kinë Hmaen but were unable to create many clear-cut chances – the pick of the bunch when she was released shortly before half time with a defence-splitting pass, only to be shut down at the last second by a well-timed Tongan intervention.

It was a relatively uneventful first half. As fatigue began to set in, it seemed the game would open up, with victory likely going to the team best able to manage the physical and mental toll of two weeks of intense football.

The second half began with New Caledonia looking the likeliest to break the deadlock.

Matha Bako came close to forcing an opener, with her driven long range free kick only just held by Temaleti Rauaao. Then it was Hmaen’s turn to think she’d taken the lead for New Caledonia after finishing a rapid counterattack, but she was denied by the offside flag.

Compounding New Caledonia’s frustration, Tonga took the lead a minute later. Cienna Filimoeatu’s free kick rebounded off the crossbar, and Kuria Malohifo’ou was on hand to tap in the rebound.

Gathering themselves again, New Caledonia searched for a way into the game by pressing forward.

Despite their best efforts, New Caledonia couldn’t find a way to break through Tonga’s resolute defence with Tema Tonga, Losaline Tu’utafaiva comfortably neutralizing Hmaen and Kanë Dralu’s threat.

They came agonizingly close in the 85th minute when a tricky Bako corner wasn’t dealt with, but the eventual shot was skied. Kessyna Nypie made a fine save to deny Moala minutes later, but New Caledonia were ultimately unable to wrench the momentum back from Tonga.