In the earlier Group B match played today, Solomon Islands emerged as 2-1 winners over New Caledonia after an evenly-matched contest that could have gone either way.
This year’s event is Tonga’s first ever appearance at the OFC U-17 Championship and the Chris Williams-coached side was always going to find the going tough in Auckland. But they would not have expected to be on the receiving end of such an inspired onslaught from Tahiti, who were four goals up within 27 minutes.
The Tahitians’ passing and movement was of the highest order as Tevairoa Tehuritaua, twice, Ahonui Tahi and Tauhiti Keck all got their names on the scoresheet in the first half. Tehuritaua completed his hat-trick in the second spell and added another for good measure, while Tihoni Yohann and substitute Heremana Teikiteepupuni also found the net.
“We asked our boys to keep the ball and they respected what we had told them so that was pleasing to see,” coach Patrice Flaccadori says.
In an ominous sign for Tahiti’s Group B rivals, who include fellow title contenders Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, Flaccadori believes there is still more to come from his young charges and sees no reason why they can’t go all the way.
Tonga coach Williams does not have such lofty goals but still feels his side has much to gain from the tournament.
“It’s about development of players for us,” he says. “Eight of our players are under 15 so they will have had the benefit of coming here already when they go to the next tournament in two years.”
Today’s other clash was far from such a one-sided affair and the points may well have been shared if luck had been a bit more on New Caledonia’s side.
Solomon Islands targetman John Bitiai used his lengthy frame to good effect in the 11th minute when he looped a header over goalkeeper Jordan Usike but New Caledonia drew level just seven minutes later through Thomas Buscaglia. Solomon substitute Atana Fa’arodo gave his side the lead just after half-time but the real drama was to unfold later in the game.
Pressing for an equaliser in the final few minutes, New Caledonia had appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Mike Hester and the play quickly broke to the other end, where Usike was adjudged to have handled outside his area and was sent off.
The dismissal had little effect on the result but means co-coaches Francis Tartas and Herve Gnipate have lost their No 1 goalkeeper for the next match against Cook Islands and it is one they will now be desperate to win.
Solomons Islands boss Chris Asipara was relieved to have come out on the right side of the ledger against an opponent he rates highly.
“We knew that they would be a good side and we expected a lot from them,” he says. “But we played quite well and scored with our best chances of the game.”
The focus switches back to Group A tomorrow when Papua New Guinea take on Fiji at 1.30pm and hosts New Zealand are in action for the first time against Vanuatu from 4pm. Both matches take place on the North Harbour Stadium outer oval.
New Caledonia – Solomon Islands Match Summary Download PDF
Tonga – Tahiti Match Summary Download PDF
Competition Summary Download PDF