The final kicks off at 3:30pm from Loto-Tonga Centre in ‘Atele following the 3rd place play-off at 1:00pm featuring Samoa and Vanuatu.
Here’s a look at the action that’s in store.
Samoa vs. Vanuatu – 1:00pm Wednesday 7 March
Samoa and Vanuatu may only be fighting for 3rd place but if day two is anything to go by then this is likely to be a fiercely competitive match. There was nothing between the two sides when they met in group play on Saturday as Samoa recovered a two-goal deficit to win 4-3. Hazel Peleti bagged a hat-trick in that match before scoring Samoa’s only goal in their 6-1 loss to Tonga. But the 17-year-old sriker is in doubt after suffering an injury on day three, which could be a huge blow for Tala Salamasina as he prepares his squad for tomorrow. Samoa will also be without Henifa Bryce who is serving a one-match suspension following her red card on Monday. Vanuatu meanwhile have been hit hard by injury woes with first choice goalkeeper Olivia David, striker Fina Angelo and midfielder Celina Langa all in doubt. But Florian Sam’s side should have no problems getting motivated for this match with the opportunity to make amends for a disappointing campaign so far that has seen them lose three consecutive games and concede 22 goals. Vanuatu are still searching for their first ever win over an OFC country at senior level – with their only previous victory coming against associate member Kiribati at the 2003 South Pacific Games. If the scores are locked at full-time, the match will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.
In their own words
“It’s very important for us to beat Vanuatu and finish third because we have been away from international football for a long time – it is a must-win game for us. We beat them earlier in the tournament but you’re only as good as your last game and we have just lost so we will have to work very hard against Vanuatu to get the result we want.” – Samoa coach Tala Salamasina
“Even though we have lost the other matches we still have a chance to come third. We will fight hard and it should be the match that we can win.” – Vanuatu coach Florian Sam
Papua New Guinea vs. Tonga – 3:30pm Wednesday 7 March
Papua New Guinea claimed first honours against Tonga in their group stage clash winning 2-0 but that will count for little heading into the final showdown. The hosts will be desperate to avenge that loss and can count on home advantage to give them an extra edge. Key to their success will be striker Piuingi Feke who has been in fine form scoring seven goals in three matches. Experienced midfielder Laite Si’i Manu will be unavailable through suspension but coach Lui Muavesi otherwise has a full squad to choose from. Papua New Guinea had the luxury of resting players in their final group game against Vanuatu and still managed a resounding 11-1 victory. Captain Deslyne Siniu has been one of the players of the tournament so far and will look to control the midfield with her signature passing game against the physically dominant Tongans. The two sides have played out some classic matches over the years including the 2007 South Pacific Games final when it took extra time for Papua New Guinea to seal a 3-1 victory. At the same tournament four years earlier, Tonga won by the same score line – a result that then coach Muavesi remembers well and will want to repeat tomorrow. Unlike the 3rd place play-off, there will be extra-time and then penalties if the result is not decided within 90 minutes.
In their own words
“We just need to keep playing our own game in terms of supporting each other and playing the ball into space. And if we keep putting away our opportunities then we know we will beat Tonga.” – Papua New Guinea captain Deslyne Siniu
“The best team on the day will win obviously and I know they will be very determined but they won’t beat us easily. Papua New Guinea are the champions of the Pacific and have been the best side at this tournament but hopefully we can make some history for Tongan football.” – Tonga coach Lui Muavesi
For the match schedule click here