The Junior Mataliki are on the brink of securing their place in the 2025 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Tahiti, but they must first overcome a determined American Samoa side in their final qualifying match.
After a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in their opening match, Tonga put themselves in a strong position to advance. However, Solomon Islands’ emphatic 7-0 win over American Samoa means that if Tonga fails to win, their qualification hopes could be dashed.
Head coach Mark Uhatahi remains steadfast in his approach, stressing the importance of focus and determination despite facing a team that, on paper, seems less formidable.
“Even though our last match is against American Samoa, which should be an easier game for the girls, we cannot afford to lose sight of our objective,” said Uhatahi after the team’s training session today. “We must win to ensure our qualification, and the team is fully aware of that.”
The coach also highlighted that their previous match provided valuable lessons. “We were able to identify some mistakes and weaknesses from our last game, which we have worked hard to correct. This preparation will be crucial for our final qualification match.”
Several key players were substituted towards the end of the Solomon Islands match, including standout midfielder Tema Tonga and impact player Leeann Taufa’ao. Both were sidelined during today’s training but are expected to return for the crucial clash.
“Tema didn’t suffer any major injuries, just minor knocks. She should be back on the field, and we’re looking at maintaining our starting lineup with a few tactical tweaks,” Uhatahi explained. “If any unexpected situations arise, we are better prepared to adapt.”
The team looks sharp, focused, and eager to seal their place in Tahiti.
All teams in the qualification tournament still have a chance to progress, making Thursday’s matches the ultimate decider. The results of the final games will determine which team secures the last spot in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship.
Tonga’s qualification would see them join Pool A alongside Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. Pool B consists of New Zealand, Tahiti, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. With a spot in the regional competition on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Junior Mataliki.
A win against American Samoa will secure their place among the region’s best. All eyes are now on the young Tongan side as they aim to complete their journey and advance to the next stage.
Kickoff will be at 2:00pm, Thursday at Loto-Tonga.
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