Tournament hosts Tonga have capped their home campaign with a 5-1 victory over American Samoa in the final fixture of OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying.
Already eliminated after defeats in their two previous matches, both teams entered the contest in search for a morale-boosting win. Sione Matakaiongo and Derric Tupou were the stars of the show for Tonga though, scoring a brace each to help lead the hosts to the win.
The first half was a lively affair, with both sides enjoying periods of possession. American Samoa created the more threatening chances through Addai Talauega and Kyle Dela Cruz, but it was Tonga who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute.
Matakaiongo opened the scoring with a clinical finish from close range, and just three minutes later Tonga doubled their lead when Tupou pounced on a rebound to put the hosts up 2-0.
A surging midfield run from Teu Fong created another opening, delivering a neat pass to Matakaiongo who slotted home confidently for his second and Tonga’s third in the 36th minute.
Still in the fight, American Samoa found their first and only goal of the tournament through Robert Maifala, who struck from outside of the box to give his side some confidence heading into the break.
It proved in vain though, as two second-half goals sealed the victory for the home side. Tupou fired home his second goal, finishing a well worked move from captain Sioeli Veatupu immediately after the break, before substitute Kilismasi Fiu rounded out the win with a powerful strike in the 85th minute to seal the result for the hosts.