Mataliki have closed their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifying campaign with an emphatic 4–1 victory over Tahiti, finishing their time in Rarotonga on a winning note and restoring pride after a tough week of results.
The match, played at the CIFA Academy, served as a FIFA International Friendly after both nations were eliminated from qualification earlier in the week. Tonga fell 3–0 to American Samoa in their opening-group match, while Tahiti were upset by hosts Cook Islands, results that sent both sides into an early exit from the competition.
But today, Mataliki showed heart, resilience, and a glimpse of the future.
Tahiti made the brighter start, taking the lead inside nine minutes. Haranui Le Gayic weaved past her defender on the left before slipping a smart pass to Kohai Mai, who finished clinically to put the French Polynesians ahead.
The early pressure continued, with Le Gayic forcing Carollyne Fotu into an important save shortly after.
But Tonga’s response came swiftly. In the 13th minute, star forward Loma McNeese pounced on a long ball in behind the Tahitian defence, beating the goalkeeper one-on-one to level the match. It sparked Tonga into life, with McNeese continuing to threaten and nearly doubling her tally moments later.
The heat slowed the tempo as the half wore on, sending both teams into the break locked at 1–1.
Tahiti refreshed their lineup with three substitutions at halftime, but Tonga were the side who seized control.
In the 52nd minute, McNeese struck again, this time with a spectacular long-range effort on her left foot, curling the ball into the top-left corner to complete the comeback.
Barely two minutes later, young rising star Sophiana Moala, one of several debutants in this tournament, produced her own moment of brilliance. From the top of the box, she fired into the same top corner to give Tonga a commanding 3–1 lead.
The 17-year-old Moala is one of four teenagers who debuted for Mataliki this week, alongside Polini Ta‘ofi, Grystal Fotu, and Anamalia Vahe, all under 20 years old and representing the new wave of talent entering the national setup.
Tahiti searched for a way back, but struggled to break down a confident Tongan defence and faded in the demanding conditions.
In stoppage time, Tonga sealed the result. A perfectly weighted cross from the right was met by Tema Tonga, who connected with a composed volley to make it 4–1 and wrap up a convincing performance.
Head Coach Kilifi Uele praised the team’s mentality and commitment. “I guess the result today only highlighted the hard work the team and the officials have been putting in the past few months. And as I said before after the first game, I truly believe that if my players follow and do the things we’ve been preparing for, then for sure we will win, no doubt.”
This fixture marks Uele’s final match in charge of the women’s programme, for now.
With upcoming commitments, including FIFA coaching education, he has stepped away from coaching duties for the next few years. The Tonga Football Association has appointed Mark Uhatahi as the new Head Coach for all Women’s National Teams beginning in 2026.
Uele says he leaves with confidence in the next generation of Tongan coaches. “I’m happy to leave coaching for a while because I want to pass it on to my fellow coaches that we’ve been preparing in Tonga, so they can continue the work and develop their coaching skills. I’m trying my best to accreditate them with their C License in the future.”
Although the early exit from World Cup qualifying stings, today’s performance offers encouragement. The blend of experienced leaders and fresh young talent proved effective, and the future looks promising under a new coaching direction.
Mataliki depart Rarotonga for Tonga today, ending their 2025 international campaign on a positive note and with renewed belief in what lies ahead.
End.
