Alex Saniel and Justin Koka were on target as Vanuatu U-19 claimed an upset 2-1 friendly victory over Tafea FC at Port Vila Stadium on Tuesday, while Amicale and Suva drew 1-1.
Tafea – drawn with Ba, Hekari United and AS Magenta for the OFC Champions League group stage tournament – fell behind when the in-form Saniel opened the scoring with a fierce half volley in the 50th minute.
Justin Koka doubled the Vanuatu U-19 tally with a spectacular volley just 7 minutes later.
Tafea’s only goal came from a late Namuli Namatak strike in the final moments of the match.
This is Vanuatu U-19’s first win in their last three matches after they lost twice to Amicale FC in friendly games, 3-1 and 6-1.
The morale-boosting victory forms a crucial part of the Vanuatu U-19 team’s preparations for the OFC U-19 Championship scheduled for May in Fiji.
While Tafea suffered a minor setback, Amicale sharpened their preparations with a 1-1 draw with Suva.
Suva striker Dave Ragruai was the visitor’s hero with a first half equaliser to secure a share of the spoils at Port Vila Stadium.
Amicale striker, Nikola Vasilic had headed Amicale into a 15th-minute lead from a cross by Octav Meltecoin, taking Vasilic’s personal tally to three in three matches since joining the club.
But the lead lasted just 11 minutes before Ragruai equalised.
Amicale FC’s Vanuatu international striker Francois Sakama nearly broke the deadlock when his second half shot hit the goal post before Meltecoin missed a golden chance to put the Reds ahead slamming a shot over the cross bar with 15 minutes left.
Ragurai nearly snatched Suva victory in the dying moments of the match only for Amicale goalkeeper Michael Rutherford to produce an important save.
Amicale face defending champions Auckland City FC, AS Dragon and co-host club Nadi at the OFC Champions League group stage tournament.
Tafea FC have two more friendly matches against a Tupuji Imere Select XI on Thursday 27 March 2014 and Saturday 29 March 2014.
Suva face Amicale in their second friendly on Friday at Port Vila Stadium.
Friendly Results
Tafea FC 1-2 Vanuatu U-19
Amicale 1-1 Suva

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