Ioane, starting for her country for the first time, was a constant threat to the Samoan defence and was on hand to nod past Tangmausia Maafu in the second half.
“We’re really happy with how we played and I’m very proud we won today. We hope this win makes everyone happy back home, our families and friends,” she said.
Ioane scored the winning goal when Hana Malo went on a solo run then wound in a cross from deep that Tonga keeper Maafu dropped.
The striker reacted first to head the bouncing ball beyond Maafu and covering defender Lupe Likiliki could only scramble the ball clear after it had crossed the line.
“The game was very tough and the conditions are hot. I didn’t expect their goalkeeper to drop the ball (from Malo’s cross) but I just kept at it and scored,” she said.
Samoa have struggled to win at Pacific Games level and other OFC women’s competitions in the past and often played second fiddle to Tonga over the years but this win is a big boost according to Ioane.
“Tonga played well and the game was played in a good spirit and we thank them for the match,” she said.
Samoa face off with table topping New Caledonia on July 8 while Tonga must regroup for their next match against Solomon Islands.
Both matches will be played at Bisini Sports Complex in Port Moresby.

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