The Cook Islands have opened their OFC Women’s U-19 Championship campaign in Tahiti with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tonga in Group A at Stade de Punaruu.
The decisive moment came midway through the first half when Metuamaru Arere curled home a stunning free kick from 25 metres to give her side the lead.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Tonga was unable to find a breakthrough, thanks in large part to the excellent goalkeeping of Kimberly Uini.
Tonga’s first real chance arrived in the 13th minute when captain Tamaa Faletau surged to the edge of the box, only for her pass to narrowly miss its target. Moments later, Arere struck the opener with her moment of brilliance from a set piece.
Faletau and Sophiana Moala responded with long-range efforts as Tonga pushed forward, but both attempts failed to test the keeper.
The Cook Islands suffered setbacks before halftime as first goal scorer Arere limped off injured in the 35th minute, followed soon after by defender Hefrani Narsimullu.
Tonga looked to capitalise, with Leeann Taufaao delivering a dangerous cross from the flank that Faletau couldn’t quite convert. In stoppage time, Moala put Faletau through one-on-one, but Uini produced a superb save to preserve her side’s advantage.
Tonga thought they had got an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining but having beaten the keeper, Tema Tonga’s shot rocketed back off the post and the Cook Islands were able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Cook Islands captain Jan Taia anchored the midfield impressively, while Moala’s tireless display stood out for Tonga.
In a three-team group, the result leaves the Cook Islands on the verge of the semi-finals, while Tonga must now beat Fiji to keep their hopes alive.
COOK ISLANDS 1 (Metuamaru ARERE 19’)
TONGA 0
HT 1-0