Tonga's Sophie Hale on attack against American Samoa during their OFC U16 Women's Championship game at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.nz
Tonga came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over American Samoa in their second Pool B match at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship in Apia on Tuesday.
It was 'Emeline Sau who scored the winner, with five minutes remanning in normal game time, slotting in the ball after collecting a rebound off the crossbar, much to the dismay of the American Samoan players.
In the process Tonga have kept their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, with a decider on the line against Solomon Islands, who lost to New Zealand yesterday afternoon.
American Samoa are on the brink of elimination after two straight defeats.
The Friendly Islanders from Nuku'alofa had lost to New Zealand 4-0 on Saturday, but bounced back in style to win their second game.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have also booked a spot in the semi-finals, following their 5-0 romp over the Solomon Islands.
This means the defending champions join Samoa, who had already qualified after Monday's demolition of Fiji.
Tongan goalscorer and Player of the Match, India-may Mann said it was a tough game but one that she and the players were happy to have won.
"I thought it was a great game," the United States of America-based player said.
"It was pretty hard because American Samoa is a good team and today wasn't their day. But good luck to them in their next game."
Mann, who levelled terms with her goal late in the first half after American Samoa had led 1-0, said their focus now shifts to the Solomon islands, who they must beat if they want to be in the final four.
"Look forward to playing them," she stated.
"It's going to be another tough game as well."
The nippy forward dedicated her goal and the award she received to her parents and family.
American Samoa's Ita Maglo said they let the game slip away from them.
"I thiought we had the game, I felt like it was our game," she said.
"I kmow it's not over we have to improve for the next game.
"To all our supporters back home thank you for the support, I know it was not the result you wanted."
American Samoa started the game well and enjoyed possession and territory early.
But Tonga managed to get some counter-attacking going also and almost scored through Polini Ta'ofi in the 14th minute when she fired a left footed straight at American Samoa keeper Leila Salausa.
That woke the American Samoans back into action and six minutes later 14 year-old Diamond Joung, broke the Tongan last line and sent the ball past Tongan goalkeeper Temaleti Taufaao and into the back of the net.
Tonga, who has been in the top four previously, returned the favour almost instantly.
Captain Sophiana Moala broke through down the right flank in the 30th minute before sending her attempt in, saved by Salausa, followed by Mann, whose effort was also saved by an alert Salausa in goal for the American Samoans.
Howerver, Mann was on the spot in injury time whe she sent in a chip kick over Salausa to level terms just before half-time.
In the second spell, Tonga missed a golden opportunity to go up on the scoreboard when Moala sent the ball from the penalty spot away past the posts in the 65th minute.
OFC media said that was after Salausa had brought down Angel Mailangi in the box.
They finally managed to get the winner through Sau, who pounced on the ball when it rebounded off the crossbar from a long Moala free-kick attempt.
Sau controlled the ball, tapped it past Salausa and slotted it into the net for the winner.
Tonga 2 (India-may Mann 45+2' 'Emeline Sau 85') American Samoa 1 (Diamond Joung 20')
New Zealand smash Solomon Islands
Defending champions New Zealand contimue their dominance in Pool B with a big 5-0 win over Solomon Islands.
OFC media said New Zealand dominated early proceedings, though a 14th-minute penalty from Aleesha Tara Gray was denied by Solomon Islands substitute goalkeeper Maria Selestina.
Selestina was called into action early after starting keeper Fiona Goroani left the field injured in the 5th minute.
New Zealand's Bonnie Rice opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rising high to head in from a well-placed corner.
Mia Humphrey pounced on a deflection to make it 2-0 at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Amelia Hitchcock adding a third in the 56th minute, capitalising on a spilled high ball.
Lania Fini then broke down the left in the 74th, delivering a powerful cross-shot that evaded Selestina for New Zealand's fourth.
Charlotte Summers rounded off the scoring in the 83rd minute with a composed far-post header to complete a polished performance.
New Zealand 5 (Bonnie Rice 37' Mia Humphrey 45+2' Amelia Hitchcock 56' Lania Fini 74' Charlotte Summer 83') Solomon Islands 0
