Cook Islands edged out Tonga 2-1 in a closely fought Pacific Games group stage match on November 21, 2023. The narrow victory provided Cook Islands with a vital three points in a competitive group, moving them up the standings. Tonga took an early lead, but Cook Islands fought back with determination, scoring twice to complete a hard-earned comeback. The match was a tense affair with both teams creating chances, but Cook Islands showed greater composure in front of goal when it mattered. The result left Tonga still searching for their first points of the tournament.