OFC News

OFC Head of Women’s Football Connie Selby has been on a mission.

Over the past three weeks she has been deployed by OFC and FIFA in Papua New Guinea and Tonga with the aim of promoting Women’s Football and developing an understanding of how the game works among the coaches in the local areas.

Selby ran a FIFA/OFC MA Women’s Coaching course in Port Moresby from March 3-8, followed by a junior course in Vava’u on March 11-12 and is currently running a regional course in Tonga from March 17-22.

Selby has been impressed with the development of coaches and willing participants since her last visit to PNG late last year.

“A lot of motivated females that are interested are now getting more involved in working with the junior girls and are helping develop the standard throughout PNG. It’s encouraging to see more coaches become members of the women’s standing committee but it still needs to be driven from somewhere.”

Selby said there were a lot of obstacles that Women’s coaches in PNG had to overcome but was happy with the professional approach taken by the women.

“A lot of our course participants find it difficult to attain access to adequate facilities, find it difficult to play 90 minute games for girls, and often struggle just getting hold of equipment because these countries don’t have enough resources to carry on from where we leave off.”

“But because our course was really well organised and the participants were there on time it ran smoothly and was very professional.”

Selby said there was an excellent response from course participants, who wanted the course to continue for another two weeks.

“They just wanted as much information as they could get, anything on Football, they were all really smart and enthusiastic.”

One of those who wanted more was Spencer Manhi a former PNG international who now plays for Hekari United in the NSL.

Manhi paid for his own airfare from Kokopo to attend the course which he saw as an opportunity not to be missed.

“I train kids where I’m from, and saw this as a great opportunity to learn more about coaching. I like to help get kids together and identify talent and then develop them.

“From the course I learnt how to deal with kids and how to develop them into better players, how to prepare quality training sessions and it gave me a better understanding of the game from a coaches point of view.

“We need more interested people who are keen on developing players to attend course like this so we can be more competitive in OFC and abroad.”

Manhi took a representative side to the OFC U’12 festival of football tournament in Papua New Guinea in April last year and described it as the greatest experience of his coaching career and something that he will always remember.

Selby said that there is not enough television coverage of football on TV in Papua New Guinea but noted that the recent live broadcast from EMTV of the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying match between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea was a huge step forward toward promoting women’s football in PNG.

“One of the best things about the course in Port Moresby was that Dame Carol Kidu (the first female cabinet minister in PNG) presented all the course participants with certificates and shared some of her experiences with them which was a special moment for everyone involved. She is a huge supporter of Women’s football.”

 

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ preliminary competition has also catapulted a number of Oceanian teams up the table with Fiji (119th, up 51), the Solomon Islands (121st, up 40), New Caledonia (124th, up 44), Vanuatu (133rd, up 34) and Samoa (147th, up 44) all claiming more than 100 points and jumping more than 30 places.

New Zealand (156th, down 7), who are yet to start their World Cup qualifying campaign, have therefore lost their lead in Oceania, at least for the time being.

RANKING

119       FIJI

121       SOLOMON ISLANDS

124       NEW CALEDONIA

133       VANUATU

147       SAMOA

156       NEW ZEALAND

161       TAHITI

167       TONGA

182       PAPUA NEW GUINEA

199       COOK ISLANDS

200       AMERICAN SAMOA

 

 

 

Papua New Guinea had to battle hard to claim the South Pacific Games women's football gold medal after coming back from 1-0 down to win 3-1 in extra time after a nail-biting finale. Penateti Feke had earlier given Tonga a 1-0 lead after just 21 minutes sprinting clear of the Papua New Guinea defence and slotting a great finish past a bewildered and exposed Linda Bunanga.

Papua New Guinea were stunned but soon burst into action creating a raft of chances that had Tonga's defence working overtime to hold onto their precious lead. In Tonga's previous seven internationals they had only conceded one goal - an own goal against Papua New Guinea in Lae at the OFC/FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers - and this match had all the hallmarks of another tight game.

However, Tonga's fantastic defensive record finally fell when Daisy Winas pierced Mele Likiliki's goal on 69 minutes to bring the crowd to its feet. Tonga laboured to stay in the match; if their defensive record has been miserly, their inability to score goals has been equally economical having only scored a total of five goals in eight matches.

The impression was, after Papua New Guinea's equaliser, that Tonga's best chance of winning the final was to hang on for penalties. Any foray into Papua New Guinea's half of the pitch was usually crafted out of a desperate long ball forward into the path of Feke but with Francis Moiyap instructing his team to drop off deeper, Feke's opportunities to get in behind the back four became fewer and fewer.

When Papua New Guinea's Helen Baki got her marching orders for a second bookable offence, Tonga were seemingly afforded a slight advantage but they were never able to come to terms with their numerical advantage losing an opportunity to turn the pressure up on a Papua New Guinea team throwing everything forward in attack.

The game was up when Ara Midi scored Papua New Guinea's second goal in 108 minutes after Tonga's legs and minds began to weary and the nippy playmaker rifled home a powerful shot that left Likiliki with no chance. Tonga's brave resistance was coming to a close and this was confirmed when Lydia Banabas - Papua New Guinea's star player at these Games - added a wonderful third following a defensive error after 119 minutes.

The final whistle signalled scenes of triumph for Papua New Guinea and their team whilst Tonga's gallant heroes lay spent on the pitch heartbroken yet proud of a tournament in which they accounted for Fiji, host nation Samoa, and an impressive New Caledonia. But the hour belonged to Papua New Guinea who underlined their credentials as OFC's "second power" behind New Zealand. Papua New Guinea will face New Zealand in a two-match play-off with the winner qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

LIVE UPDATES:

3' - the rain from during the day has cleared, allowing this match to be a little more free-flowing

4' - both teams have had a fair share of the action so far

5' - there is a stoppage in play to attend to Cathy Agunam, who has injured her knee

9' - Likiliki is in the action early, calming matters for her team on their big occasion

11' - Tonga force a corner on the counter attack through Penateti Feke, but Papua New Guinea clear well

16' - Julie Alau has a sight on goal for Papua New Guinea, but Sala Veamatahau covers well to force a throw

21' - GOAL!

#12. Penateti FEKE finds space down the left, to run through on goal unchallenged, slide her finish into the far corner and put Tonga ahead

24' - Kathrina Salaiau hits a low bending free kick into Likiliki's arms diving forward, but the ball is loosed from her grasp by Margaret Aka, only for the Tongan defence to clear the loose ball

30' - Likiliki is out well again to collect another Salaiau free kick

34' - a bouncing ball meanders into the Tongan area, which Likiliki does well to hold under physical pressure from Agunam

35' - Tracey Kig has a free kick headed for the top left, only for Likiliki to get the slightest of touches for the ball to ricochet wide off the corner

37' - Likiliki claims a high ball spectacularly above her head, this time under pressure from Aka

39' - Papua New Guinea are on the break through Aka, but the Tongan defence tracks well to get numbers behind the ball 

44' - Kig is down injured on half way, and leaves the field for treatment

-- 1 minute added time --

 

HALF TIME: PNG 0 TON 1 

 

46' - Francis Moiyap rings the changes, with #12. Lydia BANABAS coming on for #6. Cathy AGUNAM, and #16. Ara MIDI replacing #14. Tracey KIG

47' - Deslyn Siniu is down on half way, and leaves the field for treatment

48' - Veamatahau slides well to clear up a loose ball at the back for Tonga, but Ara Midi shoots first time from a loose touch for Likiliki to save well moving forwards

51' - Winas picks Midi out well in the penalty box, but she fails her footing and loses the opportunity

54' - Tonga counter attack from a Papua New Guinea corner, for Lanta to intelligently beign down Manu

54' - #15. Miriam LANTA picks up a yellow card for her troubles

56' - Papua New Guinea start to shoot from distance, looking for an equaliser

59' - #4. Helen BAKI receives a yellow card for bringing down Feke on the break 

63' - #8. Margaret AKA makes way for #2. Samantha PENINSA

64' - Tonga bring on #15. Salote LAUTAHA for #8. Neomai TUPOU

65' - Manu and Salaiau confront each other on half way, but finish with an embrace and requiring no further action from the referee 

67' - Maumea Mafi courageously blocks Banabas, when she looked certain to level matters

69' - GOAL!

Tonga concede their first goal in over 8 hours of football when #11. Daisy WINAS cuts inside, sets, and slams a low, hard finish inside the near post

73' - #4. Helen BAKI receives her second yellow card for bringing Feke down a second time

73' - RED CARD!

#4. Helen BAKI is sent of with her second yellow card, leaving Papua New Guinea to finish the match with ten players

76' - Winas is in the clear again, but this time Likiliki saves and holds

80' - Midi has space to turn and shoot, but her effort cannons in to the side netting

83' - Kulia Filo is hurt, and requires attention causing a brief stoppage in play and allowing Papua New Guinea a valuable rest

87' - Atelaite Manu is down injured, and leaves the field of play for treatment

-- 3 minutes added time -- 

90'+2 - Likiliki somehow saves from Winas, but mishandles and a goalmouth scramble results in a corner

90'+4 - #18. Maumea MAFI leaves the field on a stretcher, to be replaced by #6. Olive MATEIALONA

 

EXTRA TIME: PNG 1 TON 1  

 

91' - Siniu lets rip from 30 yards with her left foot, but shoots wide

92' - Filo covers Winas well to force a corner 

94' - Banabas wears one from an agricultural Pesalini Lave challenge on the edge of the box, but a foul is not given

94' - plays stops momentarily for Banabas to leave the field and compose herself

94' - Tonga's #7. Salome Vaenuku is the latest to be booked

96' - Salaiau has a go from a free kick at 35 yards, but hits directly into Likiliki's hands

98' - Tonga replace #11. Matelita MISINALE with #2. Mele NIUKAPU

100' - #9. Deslyn SINIU is booked for simulation under a Veamatahau challenge

101' - Salaiau has a go from a free kick at the top left corner of the box, missing narrowly over the top rigth corner of the goal

105' - Banabas has space in the box to shoot, but Likiliki is well positioned again 

-- 1 minute added time -- 

 

HALF TIME of EXTRA TIME: PNG 1 TON 1

 

108' - GOAL!

#16. Ara MIDI breaks through and thumps home what should be the winner from a tight angle, leaving Likiliki motionless

115' - Tonga look to have run out of steam, with Papua New Guinea galvanising to keep their Olympic dream alive

118' - Carloline Moeder has a shot from 40 yards, with Banabas following in to capture the rebound from Likiliki but missing narrowly to the left

119' - GOAL! 

#12. Lydia BANABAS capitalises on a defensive error to secure the win, the gold, and the Olympic Qualifying date with New Zealand

 

FULL TIME: PNG 3 TON 1 

 

 

MATCH PHOTOS:

 

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Women’s Final

Match Day 7 – 2030 – 7 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa   

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 3. Kathrina SALAIAU; 4. Helen BAKI; 6. Cathy AGUNAM; 7. Julie ALAU; 8. Margaret AKA; 9. Deslyn SINIU; 10. Caroline MOEDER; 11. Daisy WINAS; 14. Tracey KIG; 15. Miriam LANTA; 20. Linda BUNAGA [gk].

Coach: Francis MOIYAP

Substitutes not used: 1. Roxanne KOMENG [gk]; 2. Samantha PENINSA; 5. Priscilla KONALALAI; 12. Lydia BANABAS; 13. Judith MICHAEL; 16. Ara MIDI.

Injured:

Suspended:

Not available: 

Cautions:

Red cards:

Goal scorers:    

TONGA: 1. Mele LIKILIKI [gk][c]; 3. Kulia FILO; 4. Pesalini LAVE; 5. Sala VEAMATAHAU; 7. Salome VAENUKU; 8. Neomai TUPOU; 9. Atelaite MANU; 10. Helen LOTOANIU; 11. Matelita MISINALE; 12. Penateti FEKE; 18. Maumea MAFI.

Coach: Kilifi UELE

Substitutes not used: 2. Mele NIKAPAU; 6. Olive MATEIALONA; 13. Makaleta FOLAUMOETAO; 15. Salote LAUTAHA; 16. Karen UTAATU; 17. Lose PELE; 19. Uluaki KAUFUSI; 20. Elenoa LAUHINGOA [gk].

Injured:  

Suspended:

Not available: 14. Unise HAFOKA. 

 

Cautions:

Red cards:

Goal scorers:     

Referee: Neil FOX (NZL)

Assistant Referee: Alison FLYNN (AUS)

Assistant Referee: Rohitesh DAYAL (FIJ)

Fourth Official: Finau VULIVULI (FIJ)

Fifth Official: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)

 

Tonga women's team have turned the XIII South Pacific Games on its head after an upset 1-0 win over Fiji in the semi-final of the women's football tournament at Toleafoa JS Blatter Football Field in Apia, Samoa this afternoon.

Going into the match, and for the majority of the first half everything seemed to be going to script as Fiji dominated the game through the special talents of Asena Reba Ratu and her partner in crime, Adiela Kurikaba. What the Fijian did not count on however, was that the miserly Tongan defence has not conceded a goal in almost 8 hours of football ath these South Pacific Games – thanks largely to the exploits of recently crowned captain and inspirational goalkeeper Mele Likiliki.

Ironically, Likiliki looked to have blown Tonga’s chances midway through the first half when a push on Heilala Lotoaniu as she was bearing down on Fijian defender turned goalkeeper Mereoni Yabakidrau resulted in a penalty to Tonga.

After some delay to tend to the shaken Lotoaniu, it was Likiliki – not dominant forward Penateti Feke – who stepped up to the mark. Likiliki seemed to let the occasion get to her, dragging her low strike well left of the goal.

“I was very, very unhappy after the miss” said Likiliki. “From then on I felt like I owed it to my team to be sure that Fiji did not score”. It was a commitment she came good on, which led to Tonga’s second penalty – again for a foul on Lotoaniu – being coolly slotted by Feke, and the final minutes of the match dedicated to Tonga withstanding everything Fiji had left.

Fiji’s plight was not helped when Ratu was sensationally withdrawn from the game with half an hour to play, and the scores still locked at zero a piece. The final minutes saw a barrage of yellow cards to Fiji, and Tonga using the stoppages to set themselves in defence and clear the ball as far away as possible.

Tongan coach Kilifi Uele was “proud of his team to come through such a tough game, and look forward to focusing on the final”. The final shapes to be an electric encounter, with the skills and pace of Papua New Guinea pitted against the strength and solidity of Tonga in a clash that will determine who wins the honour of competing against New Zealand for a spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Fiji on the other hand now only have pride – and the bronze medal – to play for  against Tahiti – who were well beaten by Papua New Guinea under lights but will look forward to welcoming their suspended star defender Patricia Yakeula back from suspension for the match on Friday.

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Match Day 7

Women’s Final

2030hrs (GMT-13)       Papua New Guinea v Tonga

Bronze Medal Match

1230hrs (GMT-13)       Tahiti v Fiji  

 

*OFC Media would like to apologise for the loss of 'live update' footage for this match - we regret any inconvenience this may have caused

 

MATCH PHOTOS:

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Women’s Semi-Final

Match Day 6 – 1230 – 5 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa   

FIJI: 2. Mereoni YABAKIDRAU [gk]; 4. Alisi MEREDANI; 6. Adiela KURIKABA; 7. Vulolo Anaisi TORA; 10. Asena Reba RATU [c] (5. Sera TALANAVULA 66’); 11. Kinisimere VANUA; 12. Lynnette PEARCE; 13. Unaisi VATULILI; 15. Jijilia DUGUCANAVANUA; 17. Unaisi MOCE; 19. Kinisimere RAVAI.

Coach: Farouk JANEMAN

Substitutes not used: 1. Lice WAQAILITI [gk]; 3. Vika SADRAU; 8. Radilaite MARAMA; 9. Laisana MATAELE; 14. Mereani GALO; 16. Margaret MORRIS; 18. Naomi REGU; 20. Ana Maria KARIKARI [gk].

Injured:  

Suspended:

Not available:  

 

Cautions: 19. Kinisimere RAVAI (82’); 13. Unaisi VATULILI (90’+1); 6. Adiela KURIKABA (90’+3).

Red cards:

Goal scorers:  

TONGA: 1. Mele LIKILIKI [gk][c]; 3. Kulia FILO; 4. Pesalini LAVE; 5. Sala VEAMATAHAU; 6. Olive MATEIALONA (16. Karen UTAATU 65’); 7. Salome VAENUKU; 9. Atelaite MANU; 10. Heilala LOTOANIU (13. Makaleta FOLAUMOETAO 83’); 11. Matelita MISINALE; 12. Penateti FEKE; 15. Salote LAUTAHA (8. Neomai TUPOU 46’).

Coach: Kilifi UELE

Substitutes not used: 2. Mele NIUKAPU; 17. Lose PELE; 19. Uluaki KAUFUSI; 20. Elenoa LAUHINGOA [gk].

Injured:

Suspended: 18. Maumea MAFI.

Not available: 

Cautions: 4. Pesalini LAVE (27’).

Red cards:

Goal scorers: 12. Penateti FEKE (pen. 27’).   

Referee: Fiti AIMAASU (SAM)

Assistant Referee: Alison FLYNN (AUS)

Assistant Referee: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)

Fourth Official: Nelson SOGO (SOL)

Fifth Official: Jackson NAMO (SOL)

 

The tournament is down to the business end come Wednesday, with the big names needing to stand up and be counted if their country is to progress any further.

Victory in the women's tournament means a coveted shot at New Zealand for the right to represent Oceania at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

OFC Media is excited to provide our picks of the tournament so far, from those who remain -

FIJI

 Asena Reba RATU:

The experienced midfielder is the heart and soul of the Fijian team, using her infectious enthusiasm, energy, and exceptionally high work rate to spur her comrades along. Ratu has been the driving force behind Fiji's comprehensive results thus far, and will again look to run herself into the ground against Tonga.

 

Adiela KURIKABA:

Single-handedly put paid to the Solomon Islands' semi-final hopes with a dominant hat-trick in a fixture that could have easily caught Fiji out. Has a distinct, direct style of play - backing herself to beat a defender one on one, and always keen to have a shot on goal.

 

Unaisi MOCE:

A valuable and rare naturally left-sided player who truly covers box-to-box. A potent threat in joining attacks created by Ratu, and supplying the eager Kurikaba.

 

 

TONGA

Penateti FEKE:

The inspirational Feke was perhaps the sole point of concern that kept Samoa from pouring everything forward in their 'winner-progresses' Group B fixture on Monday night. Feke is blindingly fast, has the strength to repel any defender at will, and the skills that can set any fixture alight.

 

Mele LIKILIKI:

On the rare occasion that any pretending attacker sneaks through the miserly Tongan defence, Likiliki is continually on hand to literally demolish anything in her path. Has assumed the captaincy for the South Pacific Games, with her aggresive style and vocal support noticably permeating through her squad. 

 

Sala VEAMATAHAU:

The ambitious Veamatahau was a prominent figure in the match against Samoa, making several key interventions at both ends of the field. Not afraid to shoot on sight, the tall defensive midfielder could well decide the game if Fiji fail to mark her closely.

 

 

TAHITI

Yakeula is a colossus at the back for Tahiti, with her dominant and uncompromising style of play. Not only is she strong in the tackle, but also possesses skills to run the ball from defence and release dangerous through balls for her impressive attacking counterparts.

 

Maima MARMOUYET:

The main creative architect of Tahiti's expansive attacking play, Marmouyet is not averse to swinging an attempt at goal from the dead ball or open play. Exhibits a full array of tricks on both feet, and has a tidy passing game to boot.

 

Gloria HAUATA:

Electric striker that is the focal point of most Tahitian attacks, and works very well in tandem with Tania Bonnefin.  The pacey Hauata has the ability to shoot off both feet - especially keen to hit the ball on the volley with her right.

 

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Daisy WINAS:

Arguably the most talented player at the tournament. Winas is fast, skilful, and unselfish - and should have a massive future in the game.

 

Lydia BANABAS:

The energetic Banabas sits at the top of the Papua New Guinean midfield, joining in on all aspects of play. Has the uncanny ability to pop up at almost every loose ball, reading the game as though it were to a script.

 

Tracey KIG:

A perfect complement to Winas and Banabas, Kig is an aggressive, front-running goalpoacher with deceptive pace and strength. Comfortable with the ball at her feet, and intelligent enough to hold the ball when required.

 

Samoa were unceremoniously, but valiantly exiled from their own tournament today at the hands of close rivals Tonga.

Heading into the match knowing that a win would see them qualify for the semi-finals and a likely encounter with Oceanic heavyweights Fiji, the task seemed relatively simple for the host nation – score more goals than Tonga.

With exciting prospects such as Florence Lam Sam and Natalie Davies promising so much against Tahiti and New Caledonia earlier in the tournament, it looked positive from the outset for Samoa. They maintained nigh-on constant pressure for the majority of the fixture, with only the unique Penateti Feke posing any real threat when she burst away in counter-attack mode for Tonga.

Samoa were almost their own worst enemies, as they had plenty of possession but just could not hit the target enough to make Mele Likiliki earn her keep between the sticks for Tonga. However it does need to be addressed that when required, Likiliki was outstanding on the night – also assuming the mantle of captaining her country.

It was a fixture where each country’s water-tight defences cancelled each other out, with Samoa’s Henifa Bryce dispatching anything that looked like heading goalwards deep into the surrounding night sky, including a battered Feke on numerous occasions.

To Feke’s credit, she bounced back every time – and this will be a quality that is for certain required when Tonga faces Fiji on Wednesday.

A huge, vocal crowd had gathered at the Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Playing Fields – and when the final whistle blew, a disbelieving silence wrung louder than the multilingual chants that had graced the previous 90 minutes.

The tournament moves to the semi-final stages now, with Wednesday dictating who will get the chance to play off in the tournament final – and ultimately a shot at New Zealand to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

 

WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2007

1500 (GMT-13)   Tahiti v Papua New Guinea
1500 (GMT-13)   Fiji v Tonga

^{*times subject to change for television coverage}

 

LIVE UPDATES:

1' - the match is underway on a mild evening in Apia, with a modest but vocal crowd on hand

2' - Tamasailau Leuta hits a powerful drive from the angle, but Mele Likiliki is equal to the task with a strong left hand

2' - Florence Lam Sam is down injured from a late challenge, and leaves the field for treatment

4' - Samoa are enjoying a spell of sustained pressure in Tonga's defensive half

7' - Lam Sam is back on the field for Samoa

10' - save for two counter-attacks, Samoa has completely dominated the game thus far

12' - the crowd is streaming in, with locals moving to the football from other events around the Faleata Sports Complex

15' - Rosa Malama Solomona saves bravely at the feet of Penateti Feke, but takes a knock and requires brief treatment on the pitch

20' - Samoa is well and truly on top at this stage, but with no reward

22' - Tonga win a corner, but the ball is quickly dispatched back into the Tonga defensive half

27' - Semeatu Lemana turns to release a shot destined for the left corner of the net, but Likiliki produces a top-drawer save to concede a corner

28' - Claire Meni brings down Feke at full pace, conceding a free kick from which Tonga narrowly clear the crossbar from Matelita Misinale's head

33' - the Samoan defence recognises the threat of Feke bringing her down again, this time requiring treatment

35' - Solomona moves well to meet Salome Vaunuku's free kick from the left hand side

37' - Solomona again beats two Tongan frontrunners to the ball, which ricochets for Meni to clear and Samoa to return on attack

38' - Likiliki leaves her line to claim a high cross on her chest, through a pack of players

39' - Salote Lautaha has a go from distance, but her shot is well right for a goal kick

41' - Solomona is down again following a collision with Lautaha, requiring further treatment

-- 3 minutes added time --

45'+2 - Salome Veamatahau rattles the crossbar with a dipping left foot volley from 30 yards 

 

HALF TIME: TON 0 SAM 0 

 

47' - Marylynn Williams drives an early free kick straight into the Tongan wall

48' - the crowd is still building for what should be an entertaining second half, with a victory for either side seeing them continue in the competition

52' - the match is more evenly poised after the break, with Tonga enjoying time in Samoa's half

55' - #16. Marylynn WILLIAMS makes way for #12 June TUPOU

56' - Sala Veamatahau attempts to break the net from 40 yards, but her shot tails wide

57' - Samoa hit Tonga on the break, but can not register a shot on target

62' - the game is filtering from end to end, but with no clear opportunities for either side 

71' - the game is still at a stalemate, with Tonga looking to hold the scoreline and qualify for the semi finals

77' - #8. Neomai TUPOU makes way for #13. Makeleta FOLAUMOETAO

80' - Feke lines up from a 25 yard free kick, but shoots well over 

83' - #6. Anarosa SIMONE makes way for #19. Sinaro PIO as Samoa search for the goal that would qualify them for the semi-finals

84' - Likiliki rescues Tonga when a loose ball runs through traffic from a Samoan free kick

86' - Feke is cut down on her route to goal in what looks like a penalty, but the referee signals a goal kick 

88' - #18. Maumea MAFI receives a yellow card for a vital foul preventing a Samoan counter attack

88' - Feke is down again in the box, this time a little less suspiciously

-- 2 minutes added time --

 

FULL TIME: TON 0 SAM 0 

 

MATCH PHOTOS:

 

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Women’s Group B

Match Day 5 – 2030 – 3 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa

 

   

TONGA: 1. Mele LIKILIKI [gk][c]; 3. Kula FILO; 4. Pesalini LAVE; 5. Sala VEAMATAHAU; 7. Salome VAENUKU; 8. Neomai TUPOU (13. Makeleata FOLAUMOETAO 77'); 10. Heilala LOTOANIU; 11. Matelita MISINALE; 12. Penateti FEKE; 15. Salote LAUTAHA; 18. Maumea MAFI.

Coach: Kilifi UELE

Substitutes not used: 2. Mele NIKAPAU; 6. Olive MATEIALONA; 14. Unise HAFOKA; 16. Karen UTAATU; 17. Lose PELE; 19. Uluaki KAUFUSI; 20. Elenoa LAUHINGOA [gk].

Injured:

Suspended: 9. Atelaite MANU.

Not available:  

 

Cautions: 18. Maumea MAFI (88').

Red cards:

Goal scorers:  

SAMOA: 1. Rosa Malama SOLOMONA [gk]; 3. Henifa BRYCE; 4. Claire MENI; 5. Leti TAMASESE; 6. Anarosa SIMONE (Sinaro PIO 83'); 7. Semeatu LEMANA; 9. Natalie DAVIES; 10. Florence LAM SAM; 13. Tamasailau LEUTA; 14. Vaitofigalumepa TIPERIA; 16. Marylynn WILLIAMS (12. June TUPOU 55').

Coach: Junior SAAGA

Substitutes not used: 2. Helena THOMPSON; 15. Rasela PEILUA; 18. Saini UMUTAUA; 20. Rosina IAKOPO; 21. Kalaponi LEATO.

Injured: 11. Rosei LEOTA; 17. Havira TAYLOR.

Suspended:

Not available: 

Cautions:

Red cards:

Goal scorers:

   

Referee: Chris LENGATA (SOL)

Assistant Referee: Jackson NAMO (SOL)

Assistant Referee: Hamilton SIAU (SOL)

Fourth Official: Jacques AVERII (TAH)

 

 

Seule Soromon was too hot to handle for plucky Tonga at Toleafoa JS Blatter Football Field today as the pacy striker reeled off a stunning first half hat-trick that formalised Vanuatu's semi-final spot.

But Vanuatu had to overcome a bright start by Tonga who showed some improvement at various stages of each fixture highlighting the value of playing matches regularly at this level of the game.

For ten minutes Tonga looked more than competitive as Vanuatu come off second best in contesting possession but the promising start ran into a hiccup when Soromon scored his first goal after 23 minutes when he turned Matana Paongo on the edge of the box and scored with a neat finish past Kavakava to make it 1-0.

Tonga never came to terms with this body blow as Papani received a yellow card moments before Soromon burst through Tonga's ponderous back four before scoring his and Vanuatu's second goal. Tonga's despondency at falling further behind was palpable and with their semi-final hopes already over and Vanuatu's all but signed off the match entered a flat patch it didn't quite recover from.

Soromon was the exception to this general theme when he pounced upon his hat-trick after Vanuatu skipper Moise Poida's initial shot was parried by Manumua the rebound falling gratefully into the number 10's path.

Malakai Savieti pulled one back for Tonga after 49 minutes but the match was over as a contest long before substitute Victor Maleb scored with virtually his first touch of the match on 75 minutes after Francois Sakama carved Tonga open and ripped a peach of a cross into Maleb's line of vision.

 

 

LIVE UPDATES:

0'- A humid afternoon in Apia greets the national teams of Tonga and Vanuatu in this final match in Group B

1'- Tonga make early in-roads with Kamaliele PAPANI spraying a wonderful pass out wide to Mark UTATAHI whose header is cleared by Chikau MANSALE

3'- Vanuatu take control of possession but Tonga make for a physically formidable defensive unit 

5'- Kavakava MANUMUA is called upon to make a sprawling save at the feet of Seule SOROMON

7'- Vanuatu take a corner that is palmed away by KAVAKAVA for Tonga

10'- Francois SAKAMA collects a nod down in the penalty area from Rexley TARIVUTI and shoots straight at Kavakava MANUMUA

12'- Ilalio LEAKONA tries to play a pass through for Kaisani UHATAHI but its cut out by Tom Philip TOMAKE

13'- Unaloto FEAO unleashes a powerful strike but Kavakava MANUMUA makes a good save 

14'- TOMAKE gives away possession for Vanuatu in a dangerous area and Ilalio LEAKONA's shot is saved by Chikau MANSALE

16'- This is developing into an intriguing battle - Tonga has improved with each match, looked at least the physical equal of any team in Samoa, it seems they are peaking toward the end of the 1st round - what would Tonga be like with more preparation?

17'- Vanuatu keep the ball well but are rushing their final pass into the top third - SOROMON, Fenedy MASAUVAKALO and Moise POIDA look accomplished on the ball

18'- The singing from the SAMOA v SOLOMON ISLANDS drifts across Toleafoa JS Blatter Football Field reminding us of the host nation's final match

21'- SOROMON fires a shot over the bar - no danger for Tonga but Vanuatu are getting into their stride now

23'- GOAL!

#10. Seule SOROMON turns his marker on the edge of the box and shoots past Kavakava MANUMUA - it's 1-0 to Vanuatu!

Solomon Islands has taken the lead against Samoa so its 1-0 in both Group B fixtures...

25'- Vanuatu look more comfortable now they have a 1-0 lead. The wind has been taken out of Tonga's sails somewhat

30'- YELLOW CARD

#8. Kamaliele PAPANI goes into referee Job Ponis  MINAN's book

31'- The goal has had a big effect on both teams with Vanuatu now looking very confident. POIDA shoots and forces a save from MANUMUA

32'- Kavakava punches away a cross from Andrew CHICHURA of Vanuatu 

33'- GOAL!

#10. Seule SOROMON puts Vanuatu firmly in control after the Tonga defence is caught square allowing SOROMON to place a tidy effort

35'- Andrew CHICHURA shoots but MANUMUA saves well

35'- SUBSTITUTION

#5. Matana PAONGO is replaced by #19. Lisaniasi KAINGA for Tonga

36'- News filters through that Solomon Islands Benjamin TOTORI has put his country ahead 2-0 over Samoa

37'- Francois SAKAMA's blistering pace takes him clear of Tonga's Folio MOEAKI as he blazes a wild shot wide of the target

40'- GOAL!

#10. Seule SOROMON completes a first-half hat-trick courtesy of Tonga goalkeeper MANUMUA's parried stop from Moise POIDA and it's 3-0 to Vanuatu!

42'- It's almost 4-0 as MANUMUA juggles a POIDA corner in his hands and nearly loses the ball at SAKAMA's feet 

44'- SOROMON is put clear and is followed by Folio MOEAKI who fouls but SOROMON falls rather easily and wins a free kick

-- 1 minute time added on --

45'+1 - The free kick is hungrily clutched by MANUMUA as referee MINAN blows for half time

HALF-TIME: TON 0 VAN 3

46'- The second half gets underway with Vanuatu in total control

46'- SUBSTITUTION

#8. Tom Phillip TOMAKE is replaced by #19. Derek MALAS of Vanuatu

47'- Lisaniasi KAINGA announces his intentions with a long range shot from 26 yards that thuds into the gloves of MANUMUA

49'- Vanuatu win three corners on the trot as POIDA peppers the Tonga six yard box with dangerous inswinging deliveries - Tonga get the ball clear at last and the pressure eases off

49'- GOAL!

#11. Malakai SAVIETI scores for Tonga! Is this a comeback?!

53'- Tonga get a rare chance but Malakai SAVIETI gets the ball tangled in his feet as Vanuatu clear up any danger

60'- Vanuatu's Fenedy MASAUVAKALO breaks through one-on-one with MANUMUA but the Tongan keeper blocks the attempt with his frame

63'- With Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in control of both matches an air of inevitability has descended on Toleafoa JS Blatter Football Field

63'- SUBSTITUTION

#21. Maki HAITONG is replaced by #16. Richard IWAI for Vanuatu

64'- SUBSTITUTION

#7. Sione Vea TAHITUA is replaced by #16. Sione TOVO for Tonga

65'- The rain is falling steadily here in Apia and looks like its here to stay with the sky filled by dark grey cloud - both pitches are in desperate need of moisture and it looks like they will get plenty of it in the coming days

68-' Seule SOROMON's searing pace takes him clear of the Tonga defence but MANUMUA saves well 

69'- Corner conceded by Tonga but it comes to nothing...

73'- SAKAMA races down the right squares the ball for POIDA whose shot goes just wide

74'- SUBSTITUTION

#10. Seule SOROMON is replaced by #15. Victor MALEB

75'- GOAL!

#15. Victor MALEB finishes a lovely cross by Francois SAKAMA and it's a goal for Vanuatu - inspired substitution by coach Alwyn JOB

81'- Long range shot from MALEB is deflected out for a corner which is subsequently cleared by the Tonga defence

82'- Solomon Islands lead Samoa 3-0 so it looks certain that Vanuatu and Solomon Islands will qualify for the semi-finals as predicted 

84'- The match has lost much of its sting as Vanuatu know they have bigger matches to come...Tonga realise that its the end of the road for their South Pacific Games/FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign

87'- Tonga corner delivered by Pio PALU and finds Lafaele MOALA free but MOALA sends the ball searing inches over the crossbar when it looked easier to score!

90'- SUBSTITUTION

#1. Kavakava MANUMUA  replaced by #21. Kinikini KAU for Tonga

-- 2 minutes time added on --

90'+2- Referee Job Ponis MINAN blows for fulltime and it is Vanuatu who progress to the semi-finals and Tonga who bid farewell to Apia, Samoa.

 

FULL TIME: TON 1 VAN 4

 

MATCH PHOTOS:

XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007

Men’s Group B

Match Day 5 – 1230 – 3 September 2007

Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa

 

 

TONGA: 1. Kavakava MANUMEA (21. Kinikini KAU 90'+2); 4. Folio MOEAKI; 5. Matana PAONGO (19. Lisaniasi KAINGA 36'); 6. Pio PALU; 7. Sione Vea TAHITUA (16. Sione TOVO 65'); 8. Kamaliele PAPANI; 9. Ilalio LEAKONA; 11. Malakai SAVIETI; 12. Lafaele MOALA; 14. Kaisani UHATAHI; 17. Semisi TUIFANGALAOKA.

Coach: Kilifi UELE

Substitutes not used: 3. Kava HUIHAHAU; 10. Unaloto FEAO; 13. Mark UTATAHI; 15. Tevita TAKAI; 18. Kaliopasi UELE; 20. Kaneti FELELA [gk].

Injured:

Suspended: None.

Not available: 2. Sione Ongoi UHATAHI.

Cautions: 8. Kamaliele PAPANI (30').

Red cards:

Goal scorers: 11. Malakai SAVIETI (50').

VANUATU: 20. Chikau MANSALE [gk]; 3. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 4. Rexley TARIVUTI; 5. Andrew CHICHIRUA; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA; 8. Tom Philip TOMAKE (19. Derek MALAS 46'); 10. Seule SOROMON (15. Victor MALEB 75'); 12. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO; 13. Francois SAKAMA; 21. Maki HAITONG (16. Richard IWAI 62').

Coach: Robert CALVO

Substitutes not used: 1. David CHILIA [gk]; 2. Samson OBED; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL; 11. Etienne MERMER; 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 18. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN.

Injured: 14. Pita David MAKI.

Suspended:

Not available:

Cautions:

Red cards:

Goal scorers: 10. Seule SOROMON (24', 34', 41'); 15. Victor MALEB (76').

Referee: Job Ponis MINAN (PNG)

Assistant Referee: Rohitesh DAYAL (FIJ)

Assistant Referee: Hilary ANI (PNG)

Fourth Official: Rodney ALLEN (AUS) 

 

 

Tonga did the bare minimum required to win this match yet it will be American Samoa who will feel happier after signing off their and FIFA World Cup qualifying capaign by achieving their least worst defeat of the XIII South Pacific Games.

This must've been the most enjoyable match of the tournament for American Samoa's beleaguered young goalkeeper Jordan Penitusi as his team refused to disintegrate in the face of the usual amount of time spent without possession of the ball.

Penitusi also enjoyed several good moments making saves from Moala and Maiava of Tonga throughout a spell of 37 minutes in which American Samoa themselves created two half decent goal scoring chances that for once at this tournament had them looking - at the least - somewhat competitive.

Tonga, by contrast, were their own worst enemies missing a raft of good chances to score the worst by Mark Utatahi who had the goal at his mercy but shot tamely straight into the grateful arms of Penitusi.

American Samoa's resistance came to an end in the 37th minute when referee Job Ponis Minan awarded a stonewall penalty when Natia Natia grabbed a handful of Kaliopasi Uele's shirt as he sped goalwards. Lafaele Moala made no mistake with the spot-kick to give Tonga a 1-0 half-time break.

Tonga's earlier wastefulness in front of goal was replaced by a harder edge in the second half with Pio Palu scoring twice in a seven minute spell between the 54th and 61st minutes. The goals settled Tonga who went on to add a fourth goal 4 minutes from the end when Kaisani Utatahi hit an unstoppable shot on the angle past Penitusi into the top right hand corner of the net.

Tonga only have pride left to play for with even a freak high scoring victory over Vanuatu on the final day of group play unlikely to be enough to see them sneak into the semi-finals through the back door.

For American Samoa the 4-0 loss spells the end of another South Pacific Games Men's Football Tournament and FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign but they can at least draw comfort that in their final match they achieved their best result in years.

LIVE UPDATES:

0'- National anthems are concluded as both teams perform a stirring simultaneous haka to the delight of the spectators

4’- American Samoa free kick by Oesamino Victor flies well wide

6’- Tonga’s Pio Palu shoots but his shot flies away harmlessly

8’- Tonga's Kaliopasi UELE passes to Sione TOVO who blasts a long range shot against an American Samoa defender

11'- American Samoa have made a decent start to the match - can they keep that going?

12'- Ramin OTT breaks clear and unleashes a shot from 30m but his effort poses no danger to Kavakava MANUMUA in the Tonga goal

14'- Mark UTATAHI shoots from 20m out but is well wide

15'- American Samoa are battling gamely and Tonga have not yet found their feet in this match

16'- Kaliopasi UELE shoots and the ball cannons off the crossbar and is fired straight back into UELE's path whose second shot cracks into PENITUSI's left hand post and is cleared from danger

20'- American Samoa's Pesamino VICTOR takes a corner but the ball goes out

21'- UELE lifts a ball to the far post but Jordan PENITUSI saves easily

23'- Tonga midfielder Kaliopasi UELE breaks clear down the right before lofting in a cross-come-shot that disappears harmlessly over PENITUSI and American Samoa's crossbar

24'- Tonga's ball movement is good but they are unable to get a penetrating ball past American Samoa as they are defending so deeply

26'- American Samoa striker Tafuna TOILOLO holds the ball up on the edge of the Tonga 18 yard box and is surrounded by a posse of defenders who win the ball and quickly counter-attack

27'- Play is held up as TOILOLO receives medical treatment on the edge of the Tonga 18 yard box

29'- The match has restarted with TOILOLO awaiting referee Job Ponis MINAN's permission to return to the action

30'- Throw-in for Tonga deep inside American Samoa's half - the ball is headed clear by Thomas LEOTA

31'- Tonga's Lafaele MOALA goes on a powerful solo run into the American Samoa box but Jordan PENITUSI rushes out and gathers the ball

32'- Tonga hit the crossbar with a shot from long range and the ball is hacked clear by American Samoa

33'- Ramin OTT has a speculative long range on the angle from 25m but MANUMUA saves easily

34'- Tonga have more pace and mobility than American Samoa but they seem unable to find a breakthrough - a long ball from Jordan PENITUSI finds Ramin OTT up front for American Samoa but Semisi TUIFANGALOKA clears the danger

35'- A defensive error by American Samoa and Mark UTATAHI is clean through but his shot goes past PENITUSI's far post

36'- American Samoa's Hansel MAIAVA shoots over the Tonga crossbar from 20m out

37'- PENALTY!

American Samoa give a away needless penalty - this could be just the chance Tonga need to settle into the match - but a tragedy for David Brand's team after all their hard work...

37'- GOAL!

#12. Lafaele MOALA scores for Tonga after American Samoa's Natia NATIA commits a careless and unneccessary foul

41'- Tonga have most of the possession but still cannot take a grip of the match as American Samoa defend bravely

43'- American Samoa is awarded a free kick after an ugly series of mistakes by both teams near the edge of American Samoa's 18 yard box...and Tonga's Kaliopasi UELE is left injured on the ground

45'- Referee MINAN indicates there will be a minimum of two minutes of time added on

-- 2 minutes added on --

45'+2- The first half is brought to an add with Tonga leading American Samoa 1-0, a scoreline that will please American Samoa coach David Brand rather more than Tonga coach Kilifi UELE

HALF-TIME: TON 1 ASA 0

46'- Second half gets underway with Tonga making a substitution...

46'- SUBSTITUTION

#18. Kaliopasi UELE is replaced by #5. Matana PAONGO

47'- The match is still relatively even as American Samoa do their best to defend

48'- Tonga freekick from 35m taken by Folio MOEAKI is gathered by Jordan PENITUSI

50'- Sione TOVO wastes an excellent chance for Tonga after he is put through one on one with PENITUSI only for TOVO to hit a weak shot that PENITUSI deals with easily

51'- American Samoa corner taken by Tafuna TOILOLO is headed straight up into the air by a Tongan defender and then cleared

54'- GOAL!

#6. Pio PALU latches onto a through ball and bears down on PENITUSI before shooting straight at the American Samoan goalkeeper, the ball ricochets off PENITUSI straight back into PALU before a defender clears off the line...there was some uncertainty as to whether the ball crossed the line or not...but Assistant Referee Michael NUGUS says it did and it's Tonga 2, American Samoa 0!

59'- Ramin OTT and Tafuna TOILOLO combine and OTT fires a shot narrowly over the Tonga crossbar

61'- GOAL!

#6. Pio PALU breaks through and shoots for goal, PENITUSI dives low to his right and gets a hand to the ball but its not enough to prevent Tonga going 3-0 up

63'- Sione TOVO tries to hook a cross back into the danger zone but his effort spins over the American Samoa crossbar for a goal kick

65'- American Samoa can be proud of their performance today but it would be a shame if they conceded more goals after all their efforts

69'- American Samoa on the attack and Thomas LEOTA is into the Tonga 18 yard box but goalkeeper Kavakava MANUMUA rushes out and dives at LEOTA's feet as LEOTA shoots - the ball breaks clear from danger

71'- Tonga counter-attack and Sione Vea TAHITUA shoots wide

74'- SUBSTITUTION

#22 Alexander VICTOR is replaced by #18 Frankie SILAO for American Samoa

76'- SUBSTITUTION

#10. Unaloto FEAO is replaced by #11. Malakai SAVIETI for Tonga

80'- Tonga shoot from an acute angle but it never endangers American Samoa's goal

81'- SUBSTITUTION

#7. Thomas LEOTA is replaced by #13 Johnny SAELUA for American Samoa

82'- SUBSTITUTION

#13. Lafaele MOALA is replaced by #19. Lisaniasi KAINGA for Tonga

83'- Malakai SAVIETI shoots wide for Tonga

85'- Sione TOVO goes close for Tonga but PENITUSI saves

86'- GOAL!

Tonga go 4-0 up thanks to a wicked left foot shot on the angle from the edge of the penalty area by #14. Kaisani UHATAHI

90'- Tonga hit the American Samoa crossbar and the ball is scurried clear...

-- 2 minutes time added on --

90'+2- The referee blows up for fulltime and Tonga take the points but American Samoa can be very proud of the way they played

FULL TIME TON 4 ASA 0

MATCH PHOTOS:

 

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