It’s a do-or-die encounter for the Solomon Islands U-16 Women’s National Team as they prepare to face Tonga in their final Group B match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship this Friday in Samoa.
New Zealand have already secured a place in the semi-finals following a dominant 5-0 win over Solomon Islands on Tuesday, meaning only a win against Tonga will keep Solomon Islands’ campaign alive.
Speaking after the defeat to New Zealand, assistant coach Priscilla Tariga stressed the need for improvements in defence and better team coordination.
“We need to improve on closing our defensive lines, and we need to work together on our transitions both moving forward and defending our goal,” she said.
Looking ahead to the crucial clash, Tariga expressed confidence in her squad.
“We still have hope. Even though we’re on equal points with Tonga, we believe we can give it our best until the final whistle on Friday,” she added.
The decisive match between Solomon Islands and Tonga kicks off at 1pm Solomon Time on Friday.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
