Tonga Sign Off In Style With Big Win Over American Samoa

Having conceded twice late on to deny them victory against Vanuatu, Tonga started brightly, looking to finish with a flourish in front of their home fans.

Less than three minutes were on the clock when they got the perfect start, Benton Setefano opening the scoring as Tonga came out of the blocks fast.

Sioeli Veatupu almost doubled the lead midway through the half, breaking free from the American Samoan defensive line, with his rasping effort tipped over the bar well by goalkeeper Taalo Lauofo.

American Samoa pressure paid off just after the half hour mark. Pati Faleagafulu showing great touch and pace before firing past Gordon Li to level the scores.

Tonga would regain the lead just past the hour mark in a second-half that provided an uptick in energy and intensity. Substitute Fonua Moala began an attack inside his own half and ended it sweeping home from close range after an initial smart save from Lauofo.

Less than ten minutes later and the home side would add a third. Siaki Lonitenisi’s corner was cleared back to the number 10, whose follow-up cross was whipped into a dangerous area, with Sitaleki Kautai on hand to finish from close range.

Any hopes of an American Samoa comeback were dealt a blow with a quarter of an hour remaining, captain Tau Lealuga picking up his second yellow card and receiving his marching orders.

Lonitenisi, who supplied Tonga’s third, got the goal his play deserved not long after – firing into the far corner with plenty of time to pick his spot. Kautai then added a fifth and his second in stoppage time to complete a solid day’s work for the hosts.

Tonga: 5 (Benton SETEFANO 3, Fonua MOALA 63, Sitaleki KAUTAI 70 93, Siaki Lonitenisi 76)
American Samoa: 1 (Pati FALEAGAFULU 33)

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