Sports

Solomon Islands & American Samoa Arrive in Tonga for OFC U-19 Qualifiers

The Solomon Islands and American Samoa U-19 women’s football teams have arrived in Tonga this week to compete in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualifiers. This tournament marks a crucial step for teams aiming to secure a place in the next OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, where they will battle for a chance to represent Oceania on the world stage.

American Samoa U-19s Football Team Arrive in Tonga (PC: Tonga Football)

The previous edition of the tournament, held in 2023, was a landmark event. Hosted by Fiji, it was the first OFC U-19 Women’s Championship to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic and also served as a qualification pathway for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The competition saw the return of the under-20 age restriction for the first time since 2015, adding another layer of challenge for the participating teams.

One of the standout stories of the 2023 tournament was the Cook Islands, one of OFC’s smallest member associations, who made an impressive run to the semi-finals. Their journey ended at the hands of New Zealand, who secured a 5-0 victory to advance to the final. In the other semi-final, hosts Fiji defeated Samoa 3-1 to set up a championship showdown against the defending champions.

2023 Winners of OFC U-19 Championship - New Zealand

New Zealand continued their dominance of the competition, claiming their eighth consecutive title with a resounding 7-0 win over Fiji in the final. Manaia Elliott and Ruby Nathan each netted twice to lead the Kiwis to victory. However, Fiji’s strong campaign ensured they also secured a place at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, marking a historic achievement for Fijian football.

Solomon Islands U-19 Football Team Arrive in Tonga (PC: Tonga Football)

At the global tournament in Colombia, both Oceania representatives faced formidable challenges. Fiji was placed in Group B alongside Brazil, Canada, and France, while New Zealand took on Japan, Austria, and Ghana in Group E. Despite determined performances, both teams exited at the group stage, with New Zealand narrowly missing out on points in two closely contested matches.

With the arrival of teams in Tonga for the latest round of qualifiers, the next generation of young footballers is preparing to make their mark. As they compete for a place in the main tournament, the dream of representing Oceania on the world stage remains a driving force for these aspiring athletes.

Tongas Junior Mataliki Preparing for the Qualifiers (PC: Tonga Football)

The qualifiers will take place at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre, featuring three key match-ups:

Match Day 1: Tonga vs. Solomon Islands – 7 March 2025, 14:00
Match Day 2: Solomon Islands vs. American Samoa – 10 March 2025, 14:00
Match Day 3: Tonga vs. American Samoa – 13 March 2025, 14:00

With only one spot up for grabs, each team will be looking to make a strong start as they fight for qualification.

By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā