Tonga U-16 Men’s National team opened their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 – Qualifying campaign with a challenging match against Papua New Guinea, ultimately falling 5-2 in front of a home crowd at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.
The visiting side surged to a five-goal lead by halftime, but Tonga showed resilience in the second half, responding with two goals of their own to finish the game on a high note.
Papua New Guinea, aiming to return to the main tournament for the first time since 2018, came out firing. Albhan Rani opened the scoring early before Peter Yagum added another, putting Tonga under immediate pressure.
Despite the early setback, Tonga grew into the game midway through the first half and came close to pulling a goal back with two promising chances before the 30-minute mark. Unfortunately, PNG struck again through Boas Tommy, who headed home a cross from Yagum. Tommy converted a penalty shortly after, and Yagum rounded out the first half with his second of the match to make it 5-0.
The second half saw a stronger response from the home side. Papua New Guinea’s intensity dipped, and Tonga capitalised, showing much more control and confidence going forward.
Sitaleki Kautai gave the crowd reason to cheer with a well-taken goal in the 66th minute, and Sioeli Veatupu added a late second deep in stoppage time rewarding Tonga’s perseverance and giving the team momentum to build on.
Tonga now turns their focus to Tuesday’s fixture against Vanuatu, determined to bounce back with a more complete performance.
Papua New Guinea: 5 (Albhan RANI 7’, Peter YAGUM 13’, 42’ Boas TOMMY 30’, 37’ (P))
Tonga: 2 (Sitaleki KAUTAI 66’, Sioeli VEATUPU 90+3′)
HT 5-0
End.
