Hosts Tonga have made the perfect start to their OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 – Qualifying campaign with a narrow victory over the Solomon Islands in Nuku’alofa.
Tonga coach Mark Uhatahi spoke in the previous day’s media session about the importance of leveraging home advantage but it was the Solomon Islands who enjoyed much of the earlier going, with Gracester Kini a constant menace up front for Priscilla Tariga’s team.
Tonga captain and forward Tamaa Faletau was isolated for much of the first 45 minutes but did look dangerous when given service, troubling the Solomon Islands defence with her quick feet.
Cienna Filimoeatu had an excellent chance when Tonga failed to clear from a corner but her effort from inside the box was tipped over the bar excellently by goalkeeper Keira Wolfgramm.
Wolfgramm was on hand again to bail out her side, saving well from close range, before the follow-up effort was cleared off the line, with a third shot in quick succession blazed over the bar by Solomon Islands’ captain Eileen Ama Lalawa.
Faletau had the final chance of the half, but her effort drifted wide following an outstanding piece of skill to create space for herself on the edge of the box.
Goroani was called into action again early in the second period, getting down low well to save from Kuria Malohifo’ou as Tonga started brightly after the break.
The breakthrough came just as the weather turned, with heavy rain lashing down in Nuku’alofa. Cienna Filimoeatu outpacing her marker to nick the ball just ahead of goalkeeper Goroani and find the far corner of the net.
It was just reward for Tonga, who had made a significant improvement since the break, pinning Solomon Islands in their own half for much of the second 45 minutes.
The hosts will now look to next week, where victory over American Samoa will confirm their place in Tahiti later this year.
Solomon Islands: 0
Tonga: 1 (Cienna FILIMOEATU 69′)
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via TFA