Tonga secured third place at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, improving on their previous year’s performance. The team faced an early setback with the withdrawal of Tyra Bagiante just before kickoff, forcing Sophiana Moala to step in and put in a solid performance.
New Caledonia dominated the initial phases of the match, particularly through their key player Kinë Hmaen. However, despite a strong start, they struggled to generate significant scoring opportunities, narrowly missing a chance just before halftime when a well-timed Tongan interception thwarted a promising attack.
The first half was largely uneventful, and as fatigue began to affect the players, it became evident that the match would hinge on which team could better cope with the physical and mental strain of the two-week tournament.
The second half began with New Caledonia appearing more likely to score. Matha Bako came close with a long-range free-kick that was well saved by Tonga’s Temaleti Rauaao. Hmaen thought she had found the net following a quick counterattack, but her goal was ruled out for offside.
Tonga took the lead shortly thereafter. After Cienna Filimoeatu’s free-kick hit the crossbar, Kuria Malohifo’ou was quick to capitalize on the rebound to give Tonga the advantage.
New Caledonia regrouped and pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Despite their efforts, they could not penetrate Tonga’s strong defense, with players like Tema Tonga and Losaline Tu’utafaiva effectively neutralizing the threats posed by Hmaen and Kanë Dralu.
In a tense moment toward the end of the match, New Caledonia nearly equalized from a corner that was not cleared properly, but the resulting shot went over the bar. Kessyna Nypie made a crucial save to deny Moala shortly after, but ultimately, New Caledonia could not regain the momentum, and Tonga held on for the win.