Tonga tighten up for second friendly

Tonga captain clears the ball. Credit: Eric Berry
Tonga captain clears the ball. Credit: Eric Berry

Tonga tightened up their defence in a second hit out against the Philippines women’s national team on Saturday, reducing the scoreline to just a 5-0 defeat.

The Mataliki, the name given bestowed upon the team by Tonga Football Association’s royal patron Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho, were much more settled for the second encounter.

Senior Tonga international Penateti Feke gives flowers to HRH Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho. Credit: Tonga Football

The first goal came just 13 minutes into the match with Carleigh Frilles opening her account, followed just two minutes later by a second this time for Anicka Castaneda.

After conceding twice in quick succession, Tonga rallied to keep their opponent at bay for the remainder of the half, showing great resolve following the earlier 16-0 defeat to the same opponent.

Castenda eventually got back on the scoreboard for her brace in the second half, finding the net just ahead of the hour mark.

The victory was sealed by Eva Madarang, who scored in the 71st and 85th minutes to make it 5-0 in the Philippines favour.

Tonga will continue their training in Sydney before returning home to continue their preparations for the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup which has been confirmed for July in Fiji.

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