“It is now a do or die situation and every game from now on will be played as a final”, Kilifi Uele
Kiana Swift’s one goal against Cook Islands was enough to put Mataliki through to the quarter finals to play against the top ranked team in the competition, Papua New Guinea tomorrow night. This was confirmed after the two thrilling deciders game on Wednesday night between Tahiti and Vanuatu and also New Caledonia against Solomon Islands.
Mataliki was left with fingers crossed after Samoa and Cook Islands advanced from their group A when Samoa won 1-0 against Cook Islands. Mataliki’s fate was then revealed after the two deciders games on the 20th July. Vanuatu was then eliminated from the play-offs when they drew against Tahiti 0-0 in a much exciting match that ended up with extra times.
Tonga’s team is now under the coaching of our Technical Director, Kilifi Uele and he is confident with the Matalikiʻs preparation. “It’s now a do or die situation and we have to be mentally prepared and understand that every game we play from now on is a final, we shall continue to prepare on that today”.
Papua New Guinea is the top ranked team in the competition and has become runner-up three times which was in 2007, 2010 and 2014. Tonga’s Women National team last beat Papua New Guinea in 2003 with a big score 4-1 under the captaincy of Lupe Likiliki who now is a member of the Mataliki’s team officials. Mrs Lupe Likiliki coached the Mataliki in their game against Cook Islands that put them through to the knock-out stage.
End.
