Tonga have come from behind to claim a crucial 2-1 victory over American Samoa in their second Group B match at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Samoa.
The result keeps Tonga in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals while American Samoa are on the brink of elimination after two straight defeats.
American Samoa who should have got something out of their opening match against Solomon Islands, started the brighter of the two sides and created a couple of half chances in the first 10 minutes. Tonga’s first chance came in the 14th minute when Polini Ta’ofi fired a left footed effort straight at American Samoa keeper Leila Salausa.
In the 20th minute American Samoa took the lead through 14 year old Diamond Joung who split the defence, showed terrific composure to step off her left foot and rifle a stinging right footed shot past Temaleti Taufaao in the Tongan goal. It was no less than the American Samoa side deserved following an enterprising start.
But it also sparked Tonga into action. In the 30th minute Tonga had a golden opportunity to equalise when captain Sophiana Moala broke through down the right, but her shot was fired straight at Salausa. India-may Mann then forced a strong save diving to her left from Salausa to push the ball behind for a corner in the 36th minute. The pressure kept mounting though and Mann made no mistake in first half injury time, finding Salausa off her line she played a superb chip to level the scores at the break.
Tonga missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 65th minute when Salausa brought down Angel Mailangi in the box and referee Malaetala Salanoa pointed to the penalty spot. But captain Sophiana Moala fired her attempt wide of the left hand upright.
The decisive goal came in the 85th minute when ‘Emeline Sau pounced on a rebound after the ball had rattled the cross bar to tap home sending jubilation through the Tongan side. American Samoa pressed for a late equaliser but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Tonga will now face a winner takes all match against Solomon Islands on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
American Samoa 1 (Diamond JOUNG 20’)
Tonga 2 (India-may MANN 45+2’ ‘Emeline SAU 85’)
HT 1-1