Tonga snatched a dramatic 1–0 win over Cook Islands with a 90th-minute goal in Suva at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
Leila Hausia-Haugen’s late strike gave Tonga their first win and goal of the tournament in today’s 7th-place play-off at HFC Bank Stadium, Fiji.
The Mataliki had shown attacking intent from the outset, pressing high through Hausia-Haugen, captain Losatika Feke and winger Vika Mafi. Despite early dominance, they were held at bay by a resilient Cook Islands defence led by keeper Kimberly Uini.
Cook Islands grew into the match, controlling midfield through Tayla Hetherington, Deja Pareta and Teretia Teinaki. Hetherington came close to scoring in the first half, forcing a sharp save with a long-range effort.
Second-half substitutions brought energy on both sides. Tonga introduced Ana Pongi and teenager Anela Makaafi, while the Cook Islands added Ngamata Moekaa, who pressed relentlessly in attack.
With full time approaching and the match heading for a stalemate, Hausia-Haugen capitalised on a loose ball at the edge of the box, rifling home the winner.
Tonga finish seventh while the Cook Islands conclude their campaign in eighth.
