Tahiti’s win casts shadow on Vanuatu’s slim hopes at OFC U-19 Championship

Tahiti clinched very important three points after edging Vanuatu 1-0 at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 in Samoa. The victory, marked by Franck Papaura’s crucial goal, keeps Tahiti’s hopes alive in the tournament.

The match began with an early opportunity for Tahiti when a cross struck the hand of Vanuatu’s Jean Patriano Natou, resulting in a penalty just 12 minutes in. Unfortunately for Tahiti, Papaura’s spot kick sailed over the crossbar. Despite this miss, Papaura continued to pose a threat, later scuffing a shot wide after a ball was clipped across the 18-yard box.

Tahiti dominated the first half, with a notable free kick from Cedovan Taniel forcing a great low save from Vanuatu’s goalkeeper Joseph Nakou. However, the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.

Vanuatu started the second half strongly, with Sergio Waoute leading a quick counterattack that tested Tahiti goalkeeper Keahinui Heinis. Waoute had another chance to put Vanuatu ahead but, after rounding Heinis, he could not compose himself and shot wide.

Desperate for a winning goal, Tahiti found their breakthrough. Papaura, a member of Tahiti’s senior national team that secured a bronze medal at the last OFC Nations Cup, latched onto a fine cross from Bradley Ruiz at the near post, steering his shot past Nakou to make it 1-0.

Papaura had a chance to double his tally but could only manage a shot directly at Nakou after being found free in the box following another cross.

The victory leaves Tahiti needing a result against the Solomon Islands to advance, while Vanuatu, with two defeats, find themselves in a precarious position. They now need a win against Fiji and must rely on other results going their way on Thursday to have any chance of progressing.