American Samoa

The home side thrashed Tonga 5-0 in a friendly match in Ba last night and also play American Samoa in Nadi next week, with both teams preparing for the first round of Oceania Football World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month.

Malakai Tiwa opened the scoring in the 7th minute, with Alvin Singh and Osea Vakatalesau also finding the back of the net to give the hosts a 3-0 halftime lead.

Tiwa doubled his tally ten minutes into the second spell before Napolioni Qasevakatini made it 5-0 from the penalty spot ten minutes from full-time.

Next week's meeting comes a month before the next federally-mandated 50-cent wage hike comes into effect.

The two canneries, the Chamber of Commerce and Cabinet Director as well as the Legislature have all been invited to attend.

The canneries and the Chamber oppose the wage increase.

Lolo earlier said he wants to see a wage hike, but his administration is still concerned about the impact on the fish canneries, which are the territory's largest private employers.

Fiji take on Tonga at Govind Park in Ba later today before meeting American Samoa next week in Nadi.

The visitors are using the matches as preparation for the first stage of Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying, which begins in Nuku'alofa at the end of the month.

Fiji Football National Team Director Taranesh Reddy says after a busy year with the Under 20 World Cup and Pacific Games the focus is now on the national team, and every game helps.