Junior Mataliki made a strong start to their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in Loto-Tonga Soka Centre. A second-half strike from Midfielder Cienna Filimoeatu proved to be the difference, giving the hosts a crucial three points.
The first half saw both teams struggle to establish a consistent attacking rhythm. Solomon Islands dominated possession in the early minutes and created several goal-scoring opportunities, but Tonga’s goalkeeper, Keira Wolfgramm, was exceptional, making crucial early saves to keep her side in the game. Junior Mataliki’s captain Tamaa Faletau found herself isolated for much of the opening 45 minutes, yet when she did receive the ball, she caused problems for the Solomon Islands’ defence with her quick footwork and ability to create space.
The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock when they had an excellent chance from a corner, but Tonga’s goalkeeper Keira Wolfgramm reacted brilliantly to tip the effort over the bar.
Wolfgramm was called into action again shortly after, making a crucial save from close range before the follow-up was cleared off the line. A third attempt in quick succession saw Solomon Islands captain Eileen Ama Lalawa fire over the crossbar.
Faletau nearly put Tonga ahead just before halftime, displaying outstanding skill to fashion an opening on the edge of the box, but her shot drifted just wide of the target.
Tonga started the second half brightly, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing Solomon Islands onto the back foot. Kuria Malohifo’ou had an early chance, but Solomon Islands goalkeeper Goroani got down well to deny her.
The breakthrough came as heavy rain began to fall over Nuku’alofa. Solomon started to go off their game giving Cienna Filimoeatu a chance showing great pace to beat her marker to a loose ball, nicking it just ahead of Solomon Island’s Goalkeeper and slotting it into the far corner. The goal was a deserved reward for Tonga’s second-half dominance, as they kept Solomon Islands pinned inside their own half.
Coach Mark Uhatahi wasted no time in making tactical adjustments, introducing fresh and fast defenders to reinforce Tonga’s backline and keep the Solomon Islands attackers at bay. The substitutions provided a much-needed boost, limiting the visitors’ opportunities and ensuring they had little space to create chances inside the box.
Despite a late push from the visitors, Tonga held firm to secure an important win. Their attention now turns to next week’s clash against American Samoa on Thursday, where a victory will confirm their qualification for the tournament in Tahiti later this year.
End.
