Perfect start for Tonga

Hosts Tonga make a strong start to their Oceania Football Confederation Under-19 Women’s qualifying campaign, narrowly defeating the Solomon Islands 1-0.

Both teams and American Sāmoa are competing in Tonga for the final spot in the U19 OFC Women's Championships in Tahiti from 21 September to 4 October.

Pool A has Fiji, Sāmoa, Cook Islands, and the winner of the Tonga tournament. Pool B has New Zealand, Tahiti, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.

Before last Friday's match at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga coach Mark Uhatahi emphasises leveraging their home advantage at a media conference.

But the Solomon Islands dominate the early stages of the game, with Gracester Kini constantly threatening Priscilla Tariga’s team.

Tonga captain and forward Tamaa Faletau finds herself isolated for most of the first half but troubles the Solomon Islands' defence whenever she receives the ball.

Cienna Filimoeatu creates a great opportunity when Tonga fails to clear a corner, but goalkeeper Keira Wolfgramm tips her shot from inside the box over the bar.

Wolfgramm shines throughout the match. Shortly after, she makes a close-range save while her defence holds firm as a follow-up shot is cleared off the line.

A third attempt by Solomons’ captain, Eileen Ama Lalawa, blazes over the bar.

The Tonga team went into their opening game against the Solomons Islands with home advantage. Photo/OFC/Tonga Football Association

Faletau has the final chance of the half, but her effort goes wide after she showcases an impressive skill in creating space at the edge of the box.

Fiona Goroani, the Solomons goalkeeper, springs into action early in the second half, making a good save from Kuria Malohifo’ou as Tonga starts brightly after the break.

The breakthrough comes in the 69th minute as heavy rain falls in Nuku’alofa.

Filimoeatu outpaces her marker, steals the ball just ahead of goalie Goroani, and finds the far corner of the net.

The goal is well-deserved for Tonga, who significantly improved after halftime and kept the Solomon Islands pinned in their own half for most of the second half.

Tonga now turn their focus to American Sāmoa this week. A victory there will secure their place in Tahiti for the OFC U19 Championship later this year.

The Tongans will host American Sāmoa on Thursday, 13 March, at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku'alofa.

The Solomon Islands take on American Sāmoa on Monday, 10 March.