Solomon Islands booked their place in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship semi-finals with a deserved 3-1 victory over Tahiti, setting up a last-four meeting with Fiji.
With a semi-final berth on the line, both sides knew victory would keep their title hopes alive. Solomon Islands adopted an aggressive defensive approach from the outset, pressing high up the pitch and looking to exploit the pace of Greggy Gau and George Lea’i on the counterattack.
Their persistence paid off in the 26th minute. George Lea’i latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Walcott Kona before bursting beyond Tahiti defender Steevy Peckett. The forward then unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into the top-left corner to give Solomon Islands a deserved lead heading into the break.
The advantage doubled just three minutes into the second half when Gau raced beyond the Tahiti defence before slipping the ball into the path of Jayer Makarani, who calmly drilled a low finish into the near post from outside the area.
Tahiti responded immediately through Esdras Jamet in the 53rd minute, who turned home Akahi Paoa’s low corner to reduce the deficit and ignite hopes of a comeback.
Despite the pressure, Solomon Islands remained composed, controlling possession and frustrating Tahiti’s patient build-up play. A late free kick from Hyrum Jones was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Eddie Aefi before the decisive moment arrived in the closing stages.
A long clearance from Soka released Gau from halfway, and the speedy forward surged clear of the defence before coolly slotting home to seal an impressive 3-1 victory.
New Zealand completed a perfect group stage campaign with a dominant 7-0 victory over Vanuatu to finish top of Group B at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship.
Having already secured their place in the semi-finals, New Zealand entered the match looking to maintain their unbeaten record, while Vanuatu were determined to end their campaign on a positive note.
The Kiwis wasted little time asserting their dominance. Zack Cashmore opened the scoring in the fifth minute, turning home Reuben Lee Sang’s inviting cross with a first-time finish. Just five minutes later, Cashmore doubled the advantage with another composed one touch finish after a perfectly weighted pass through the middle.
The striker completed a remarkable hat trick inside 15 minutes, racing onto another through ball before calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper. Cashmore wasn’t done yet, adding his fourth goal of the afternoon in the 31st minute to cap an outstanding first half performance.
New Zealand extended their lead before the break when Ethan Amyes found the back of the net in the 39th minute, sending the defending champions into half-time with a commanding 5-0 advantage.
Vanuatu showed determination after the restart and created their best opportunity from a set piece, but Rohan Masauvakalo headed over the crossbar. New Zealand remained in complete control, with second-half captain Ben Trenberth adding a sixth goal before the 70th minute, while Davi Valle Dos Santos rounded off the scoring two minutes later to complete an emphatic victory.
New Zealand: 7 (Zack CASHMORE 5′, 10′, 15′, 31′, Ethan AMYES 39′, Ben TRENBERTH 70′, Davi VALLE DOS SANTOS 72′)
Vanuatu: 0
HT: 5-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek