Thrilling start to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa; Fiji and Solomon Islands grab debut wins

The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship launched in Apia, Samoa, with an electrifying opening day. Fiji achieved an impressive 3-1 comeback triumph over Tahiti, while the Solomon Islands secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Vanuatu.

Fiji orchestrated a stunning 3-1 turnaround to capture all three points against Tahiti in the tournament’s inaugural match. The 2022 runners-up faced a formidable Tahitian squad enhanced by players active in French local leagues.

A bright, sunny day in Samoa set the perfect scene for the competitive opener. Tahiti had the initial chance when Iliwai Resopawiro’s cross met Tahiarii Teriitemataua’s head, but the attempt was safely caught by Fiji’s goalkeeper, Illisoni Koro.

At the 15-minute mark, Fiji’s co-captain Penisoni Tirau had a golden opportunity, going one-on-one with Tahiti’s goalkeeper, but failed to score. Tahiti then took the lead through their captain, Kamalani Bennett, who expertly finished after receiving a precise through ball.

Despite Fiji’s dominance and multiple opportunities, they struggled to find the net. Tirau’s brilliant run past several Tahitian defenders set up Aidan Malakai Singh, who, unfortunately, missed the target. As half-time approached, Fiji was awarded a penalty after Tirau was fouled in the box. Tirau’s spot-kick struck the post.

In injury time, Fiji equalized when Akash Prasad capitalized on Tahiti’s defensive lapse. Tirau then put Fiji ahead with a spectacular long-range strike that bounced off the post, making it 2-1 at the interval.

Fiji continued their momentum in the second half, with Tirau again finding the net, lofting the ball over the goalkeeper. The scorching conditions saw the tempo drop, with fewer chances in the latter half. Late in the game, Bennett had a chance for Tahiti but was denied by a brilliant save from Koro.

Fiji’s win places them at the top of Group A, with a crucial game against the Solomon Islands next. Tahiti will aim to recover against Vanuatu in their second match on Monday.

In the day’s second fixture, the Solomon Islands kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vanuatu. Despite travel challenges, the Solomon Islands took an early lead within the first 20 minutes. Captain Paul Francis’s through ball found James Laena, who struck past goalkeeper Joseph Nakou.

Laena posed a constant threat down Vanuatu’s left flank and nearly set up a second goal with a dangerous cross, but the defense managed to clear. Vanuatu struggled in the first half, epitomized by Sergio Waoute’s wayward long-range shot. The Solomon Islands dominated possession and shots on target, nearly doubling their lead when Laena missed just before half-time.

The second half was marred by injuries and players cramping under the intense heat. Vanuatu gained momentum towards the end, with substitute Jacky Numake’s speed causing problems, but he couldn’t convert. The Solomon Islands almost doubled their lead with Waoute’s curling effort narrowly missing the target.

In the final moments, Vanuatu’s Manuel Lorren received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten men for the remaining added time. Lorren will miss their next match against Tahiti on Monday. The Solomon Islands’ victory gives them an ideal start, while Vanuatu will seek to bounce back on match day two.

Group B debuts on the second matchday, with New Zealand facing New Caledonia and Samoa hosting Papua New Guinea.