“Same ideas, same results”: Kina Likiliki calls for changes after Tonga’s 11–0 defeat

Tonga international Anthony “Kina” Likiliki has expressed his disappointment with the national team’s performance following their heavy 11–0 defeat to East Coast Bays in Auckland, questioning the tactical approach and preparation of the Tu’ulalupe as they continue their four-match tour of New Zealand.

Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center (OFCe), Likiliki did not hide his frustration with the result, which saw Tonga concede eight goals in the second half after trailing 3–0 at halftime. The experienced footballer, who has returned to the national team after several years away, described the defeat as one of the most difficult moments of his career in New Zealand.

“It’s terrible, and I’ve never experienced such embarrassment of a defeat in my career in NZ,” Likiliki told OFCe. “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

For Likiliki, the problems go beyond the result itself. The New Zealand-based player believes Tonga need to reconsider their tactical system and adopt an approach that better reflects the characteristics of the players available to the coaching staff.

“Exposed how their system doesn’t work. Change the system, make it work around the players strengths rather than their weaknesses,” he explained, before delivering an even stronger assessment of the national team’s recent approach. “They have been using this same system that has not worked for years. Same ideas, same results.”

The Tongan international also identified physical preparation and player development as areas requiring greater attention. He called for better nutritional support, appropriate training loads and more consistent opportunities for locally based footballers to experience competitive environments. Another concern raised by Likiliki was the need to establish stronger connections with experienced Tongan players living overseas, who could contribute to the national team’s development.

The defeat against East Coast Bays came in Tonga’s first appearance of their November tour, organised after more than two years without senior international matches. Head coach Timote Moleni, who has returned for another spell in charge, is working with a 26-man squad combining domestic footballers with six players based in New Zealand.

Although the opening result has raised concerns, Likiliki’s criticism is accompanied by a belief that Tonga can improve. He previously expressed encouragement after speaking with Tonga Football official Kilifi Uele about plans for upcoming competitions and the development of younger players, while acknowledging that considerable work remains to be done.

Tonga will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they face Māngere United on Friday, November 13. The Tu’ulalupe are also scheduled to play Auckland City FC’s U-23 team on November 16 before concluding their tour against Western Springs on November 18.

Likiliki believes the remaining opponents will provide further challenges and has warned that Tonga could suffer more difficult results unless improvements are made. With the 2027 Pacific Games and the qualifying campaign for the 2028 OFC Men’s Nations Cup approaching, his comments underline the concerns surrounding the national team’s preparation for future regional competitions.