Tonga has secured third place at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, improving on their performance from 2023. The team faced a challenge early in the match with the loss of Tyra Bagiante, who withdrew just before kickoff, leading to Sophiana Moala stepping in as her replacement.
In the initial moments, New Caledonia took control, utilizing their key player Kinë Hmaen, but failed to convert their pressure into solid scoring opportunities. The best chance came just before halftime when Hmaen received a well-timed pass, only to be thwarted by a timely tackle from a Tongan defender.
The first half was largely uneventful, with players feeling the fatigue from two weeks of intense competition. As the second half began, New Caledonia appeared more likely to score.
Matha Bako nearly opened the scoring with a powerful long-range free-kick that Tonga’s Temaleti Rauaao managed to hold. Hmaen thought she had scored for New Caledonia after a swift counterattack, but an offside call denied her goal.
In a surprising twist, Tonga took the lead just a minute later. A free-kick from Cienna Filimoeatu hit the crossbar, and Kuria Malohifo’ou was quick to capitalize on the rebound and score.
Determined to respond, New Caledonia pushed forward in search of an equalizer. However, they struggled to penetrate Tonga’s solid defense, with Tema Tonga and Losaline Tu’utafaiva effectively neutralizing the threats posed by Hmaen and Kanë Dralu.
They came close in the 85th minute when a tricky corner from Bako was mishandled, but the subsequent shot went over the bar. Kessyna Nypie made an impressive save to deny Moala shortly after, but New Caledonia could not regain the upper hand, leaving Tonga to celebrate their victory.