That clash will open proceedings from 1:00pm at Loto-Tonga Centre in ‘Atele before Vanuatu play for pride against Papua New Guinea at 3:30pm. The 3rd place play-off and final will take place on Wednesday 7 March before the eventual winner goes through to meet New Zealand in the home-and-away Stage 2 on 31 March and 4 April.
Here’s a look at the action that’s in store tomorrow.
Samoa vs. Tonga – 1:00pm, Monday 5 March
There should be plenty of fireworks in the opening match as Samoa and Tonga put everything on the line to qualify for the final. Their last encounter at the 2007 South Pacific Games resulted in a 0-0 draw and if history were to repeat itself, the hosts would advance thanks to a superior goal difference. But Samoa have the advantage of momentum after their inspiring come-from-behind victory against Vanuatu when 17-year-old striker Hazel Peleti showed poise beyond her years to complete a hat-trick in the 84th minute and make it 4-3. Peleti could play a key part tomorrow but will be hard pressed to find a way through the experienced Lupe Likiliki who has had an impressive tournament so far. The Tongan captain will be hoping her side can get through to the final and avenge their 2-0 loss to favourites Papua New Guinea on Saturday when the attacking threats of Piuingi Feke and Kiana Mu’amoholeva were well contained. Tonga can expect more physicality from the Samoans but still have experience on their side, which could count for plenty in this winner-takes-all match.
In their own words
“We have to compete against them physically and mentally. It’s not easy to have a game, rest, have another game, rest, have another one. But all the teams are in the same position. As you can see from our last game, they have a fighting spirit.” – Samoa coach Tala Salamasina
“We call it a war when Tonga and Samoa play – it’s always a difficult game. They have a young group of girls and with our experience I think my team will perform better.” – Tonga coach Lui Muavesi
Vanuatu vs. Papua New Guinea – 3:30pm, Monday 5 March
Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea have so far endured bruising encounters against their Polynesian opposition and should enjoy the chance to match up tomorrow with more similar playing styles. Both teams like to play possession football while Papua New Guinea have shown they can mix it up by playing direct to utilise the pace of Rumona Morris, Sandra Birum and Zeen Limbai. This could be a tactic for Steven Mune as Vanuatu have looked vulnerable on defense and are yet to settle on a goalkeeper with Olivia David and Jane Kasu playing a game each, letting in 11 goals between them. While the two teams have never met at senior competitive level, Papua New Guinea will go in as overwhelming favourites. They could however be tempted to play a second-string team after assuring their place in the final, and thereby give Vanuatu an outside chance to get their first points in the tournament. Florian Sam’s side will have plenty of motivation to put their heartbreaking loss to Samoa behind them and restore confidence heading into the 3rd place play-off on Wednesday. The dynamic strike pairing of Fina Angelo and Lisa Batick will be key, but they will need to go a long way in improving their defensive tactics to have any shot against the Papua New Guineans.
In their own words
“We have some injuries in the squad, which makes it difficult. Papua New Guinea are a very good team so our focus will be on defense and hopefully we can get a draw at least.” – Vanuatu coach Florian Sam
“We watched Vanuatu at the nations cup in 2010 and I think they’re not as good as they were. But I keep telling my players that every game will be competitive so we have to stay focused for tomorrow.” Papua New Guinea coach Steven Mune