Pacific / Tonga

Sport: Winning essential for American Samoa and Tonga footballers

11:55 am on 2 September 2015

It's a case of win to survive for American Samoa and Tonga at the Oceania Football World Cup qualifying tournament in Nuku'alofa.

Both teams suffered defeat on match-day one, against Samoa and Cook Islands respectively, and need all three points today to remain in realistic contention for the overall title.

American Samoa coach Larry Manao says they're trying not to worry about stuff that's out of their control.

"We're not going to change too much in terms of our game-plan. In terms of preparation for it we're going to stay focused on our game-plan and just see if we can get a result. We will worry about the math after we can get a positive result out of the game".

Samoa and Cook Islands clash in the early game today, which could potentially seal their spot at next year's Oceania Nations Cup football competition.

American Samoa football coach Larry Manao. Photo: Oceania Football