Fiji delivered a largely clinical performance to beat Tonga 2-1 and finish top of Group A at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 in Tahiti.
The result not only secures Fiji’s path into the semi-finals but also qualifies the Cook Islands as runner’s up with Tonga finishing third and having to settle for the 5th place play-off match.
Tonga needed to win the match to stand any chance of progressing and began aggressively in the opening minutes. But after weathering an early storm Fiji struck twice in quick succession to effectively kill off Tonga’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
First Elesi Tabunase’s diving header beat a despairing Keira Wolfgramm in the 8th minute, and just three minutes later captain Sereana Naweni blasted home the second from the edge of the penalty area to put Fiji in total control. Wolfgramm kept Tonga in the contest with fine saves to deny Emele Vunivalu and Tabunase in the 16th and 18th minutes and she was at it again eight minutes before the break to again stop Vunivalu’s shot.
Thanks to Wolfgramm’s efforts the damage was limited to two at the break.
Tonga tightened up at the back in the second half but offered little threat going forward until the 68th minute when Anela Makaafi made a strong run down the flank, earning her side a freekick.
But Tema Tonga’s effort flew safely into the hands of Fiji goalkeeper Emily Esposito. Tonga continued to press however and after a battle for the ball outside the box it fell to Anela Makaafi who unleashed a thunderous strike into the roof of the net.
The Tongans never gave up and rattled Fiji, but the final pass, too often let Tonga down. Up the other end Tabunase came close to restoring the two-goal lead but the impressive Wolfgramm parried her late effort.
Fiji held on to secure the win and a likely semi-final against New Caledonia or Tahiti. The Cook Islands finish as Group runners-up and are likely to face defending champions New Zealand for a place in the final.
TONGA 1 (Anela MAKAAFI 71’)
FIJI 2 (Elesi TABUNASE 8’, Sereana NAWENI 11’)
HT 0-2
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek