The Tongan captain went close to scoring twice in the first half then nearly salvaged a point for a team when her 35 metre shot cannoned back off the crossbar with just two minutes to go.
“We’re disappointed to lose today, our finishing really let us down. Overall, I thought we played pretty well but losing the first game is difficult,” she said.
Tonga started the match as favourites having won the silver medal in 2007 and turning in consistent performances in OFC women’s competitions in recent years.
Lupe Likiliki, usually the team’s goalkeeper, started the match at centre back and had a strong game but could do nothing about the goal scored by Lusia Ioane midway through the second half.
Tonga hit the crossbar in the first half when Lita Misinale’s 20 metre shot dipped late to hit the woodwork with the otherwise impressive Samoa goalkeeper Faanunu Ropeti well beaten.
Feke says her teammates will learn from the experience but expect an even more difficult second match with the Solomon Islands.
“The Solomon Islands team is very tall and I think this makes our next match more difficult than today.
“The match was played in good spirits and although we lost I was satisified with our performance,” Feke said.
Tonga’s next match in the competition is at the Bisini Sports Complex on 8 July.
Samoa face a tough assignment when they meet highflying New Caledonia on the same day.

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