Samoa has achieved a significant milestone in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship by securing their second consecutive win, defeating Tonga 2-0 in Suva. This victory solidifies Samoa’s position at the top of Group A and brings them closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals.
The match began with Samoa establishing early dominance, showcasing fluid ball movement and effectively utilizing their wingers to breach Tonga’s defense. The first goal for Samoa came when Taimane Devoux seized an opportunity following a misjudged catch by the Tongan goalkeeper after a well-placed free kick from Leah Atuaia.
This goal set the pace for the remainder of the match, as Samoa continued to push forward. In the second half, the team’s offensive pressure remained strong. Captain Lynn Aiono Sagiao and Jayde Sagapolutele played crucial roles, with Sagiao eventually scoring a powerful strike from near the penalty spot to extend the lead.
Tonga struggled to mount effective counterattacks, especially without their key player Tyra Bagiante, who was sidelined due to injury. Although they had a few promising moments, they were unable to convert any opportunities into goals.
With this win, Samoa has assured themselves a place in the semi-finals, while Tonga now faces a critical challenge, needing to win their upcoming match against the Cook Islands to keep their hopes of advancement alive.