Fijian U19 girls national soccer team too strong for Tonga Featured
13 July, 2017. The Vodafone Fijian Under-19 girls made an explosive start to the 2017 OFC U19 Women’s Championship with a 4-0 win over Tonga in New Zealand yesterday.
Fiji started to apply early pressure with Cema Nasau, Asenaca Diranuve and captain, Luisa Tamanitoakula having numerous attempts at goal putting the Tongan defence under pressure.
The Tongan defence held on to the pressure up to the 30th minute when Nasau opened the floodgates by placing the ball past Tonga goalkeeper Mele Akolo.
The Saroj Kumar coached- side continued to dominate possession which saw Tamanitoakula getting their second goal as they enjoyed a 2-0 lead at the breather.
Fijian goalkeeper Ateca Tuwai was not tested as the defenders stood tall and did not allow the Tongan strikers any space to do their work.
Nasau once again worked her way into the opposition box in the 59th minute only to be fouled by Tongan defender Mitchelle Tuitupou and Tahitian referee Rani Perry awarded Fiji a penalty.
Tamanitoakula once again placed the ball past goalkeeper Akolo to extend their lead to 3-0.
Fiji once again controlled possession and applied pressure as Nasau got her second and Fiji’s fourth goal in the 65th minute to seal the win.
The Fijian U19 play their second match on Friday, July 14, against hosts New Zealand who thrashed Papua New Guinea 12-0 in the opening match.
Tonga: 1. Mele Akolo (GK), 2. Fifi Moala, 3. Michelle Tuitupou, 4. Meleseini Tufui, 5. Manusiu Latavao, 6. Siunipa Talasinga, 7. Seini Lutu, 8. Halaunga Taholo (C), 9. Carmel Uhila, 11. Mele Kafa, 19. Alexandra Fifita. Substitutes: 10. Teisa Fusi, 12. Ofa Ataongo, 13. Peta Fenukitau, 14. Patricia Likiliki, 15. Luseane Vivili, 16. Katalina Taliauli, 17. Kalolaine Taliauli, 18. Sosefina Havea, 20. Adrienne Tahitua (GK). Coach: Christian Koaneti
Fiji: 1. Ateca Tuwai (GK), 2. Cecelia Nainima, 3. Mereoni Tora, 4. Sekola Waqanidrola, 5. Veniana Ranadi, 6. Ledua Senisea, 7. Koleta Likuculacula, 8. Timaima Vuniyayawa, 9. Asenaca Diranuve, 10. Luisa Tamanitoakula (C), 11. Cema Nasau. Substitutes: 12. Silina Qarawaqa, 13. Louisa Simmons, 14. Miriama Bakaniceva, 15. Maca Ralagi, 16. Aliza Hussein, 17. Miliana Bureitau, 18. Cynthia Dutt, 19. Laca Tikosaya. 20. Maria Parr (GK). Coach: Saroj Kumar (FIJ)
