Tonga shatter records with 16-0 dominance over American Sāmoa

Tonga's Under-19 women's soccer team have made a big splash by securing their spot in the upcoming OFC Under-19 Women’s Championship in Tahiti.

They achieved this with an incredible 16-0 win against American Sāmoa in a match held in Nuku’alofa on Thursday. The drubbing is the team's highest score against an opposition.

After winning 1-0 against the Solomon Islands earlier, Mark Uhatahi and his team knew they only needed to avoid a loss to advance in the competition - enough to qualify for the tournament in Papeete later this year.

Unfortunately for the Solomon Islands, they will look back at what might have been after their disappointing defeat to the Tongans.

But Thursday's victory belongs to the women in red, thanks to a barrage of goals in the first half.

The Tongans dominated the game right from the start, which ensured their victory before half-time.

Captain Tamaa Faletau was the star of the match, finding the back of the net four times during the opening 45 minutes.

She was supported by Gabriela Filimoeatu, who scored the first goal, and her sister, Cienna, who also joined her on the scoresheet.

Kuria Malohifo’ou added two more goals, and Anela Makaafi scored from a free kick, giving the hosts a commanding 9-0 lead at halftime.

Tonga (red shirts) put the American Sāmoa goal under pressure. Photo/OFC/Tonga Football Association

Faletau netted her fifth goal and Tonga's 10th just over 10 minutes into the second half. Substitute Anna Pongi also got in on the action with a goal from inside the penalty box to keep the momentum going.

The hosts continued their dominance with more goals from Malohifo’ou, Pongi, an own goal, and Crystal Sime, with Tonga finishing the match at a remarkable 16 goals.

The victory ensures that the Tongans will join seven other nations already qualified for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025, held in Tahiti from 21 September to 4 October.

Pool A includes Fiji, Sāmoa, the Cook Islands, and Tonga, while Pool B will feature New Zealand, Tahiti, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.

• Watch the Tonga vs American Sāmoa game here.