In clear but chilly conditions at Centre Park in Mangere, Vanuatu edged Fiji 2-0 before Papua New Guinea overpowered American Samoa 5-1 and hosts New Zealand beat the Solomon Islands 3-0 in Group B.
Vanuatu move to six points in Group A with two wins and nine goals to their credit but it was the defenders who coach Moise Poida was praising after two clean sheets.
“My two central defenders Brian Kaltak and captain Lele Hinge have been solid and I feel very safe with Seiloni Iaruel in goal. Our focus has been to get through to the semi final and we have done that already with one group match in hand. So I’m very pleased with the performances.”
Didier Kalip was another standout for Vanuatu putting his side ahead in the 20th minute and causing havoc down the left flank.
Fiji had plenty of chances with the best falling to Abbu Shaheed and Krishneel Krishna but coach Ravinesh Kumar was left to wonder what might have been.
“Our finishing has not been good enough in the two matches,” said Kumar. “Some of the possession work and build up is ok but we have to score goals to give ourselves a chance of winning and we haven’t been able to do that. We’re very disappointed with this result today.”
Jean Kaltak sealed the victory for Vanuatu in the second half, the 16-year-old heading home to grab his second of the tournament.
A hat-trick from Alap Embal helped Papua New Guinea to a 5-1 victory in the second match of the day but American Samoa took some consolation in getting on the score sheet through Taalenuu Faavi.
Having settled for a 0-0 draw against Fiji in their opening match, Papua New Guinea went in search of goals and were on track with their fourth in the 49th minute.
But Rupeni Luvu’s side showed resistance hitting back in the 54th minute and letting in only one more goal before the full-time whistle.
“We know that goal difference will be important in this group and I honestly thought we were going to get to 10 or 11 with the chances we had,” said Papua New Guinea coach Max Foster.
“There were certainly some good spells but we didn’t play well for 90 minutes.”
New Zealand also struggled to find a way through the Solomon Islands defense and were held goalless in the first half of their Group B clash.
But the Junior All Whites stepped up another gear in the second half with Marco Rojas having a hand in all three goals to take them top of the group on goal difference.
Dakota Lucas struck first in the 52nd minute after spinning his defender on the six yard box and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Sila Seda.
The Solomon Islands side, named the Mamulas after a native fish, almost had an equalizer moments later when Himson Teleda blasted his left-foot shot onto the woodwork.
Andrew Milne won his side a penalty on the hour mark, with protests from the Solomon Islands players who thought Freddie Kini had made no contact in the tackle. Rojas converted the penalty before setting up substitute Andrew Milne in the 67th minute for the team’s third.
Coach Chris Milicich says he was confident of securing all three points despite the Solomon Islands holding them in the opening period.
“There weren’t any nerves at half-time because I felt we were in full control. We looked more comfortable as the game went on and I’m happy with how we finished.”
In the three-team group, New Zealand will now play New Caledonia on Monday and can advance to the semi finals provided they do not lose by more than three goals.
Noel Wagapu and his Solomon Island charges will watch on with interest to see if they have done enough to finish in the top two.
“We’ve given 100 percent effort in our two matches and I can’t ask for much more from my players. Now we hope the result goes our way on Moday and we get through to the semi final stage.”
Fiji – Vanuatu Match Summary click here
American Samoa – Papua New Guinea Match Summary click here
Solomon Islands – New Zealand Match Summary click here
Competition Summary click here
For the full schedule and results click here
For squad lists and profiles click here
Upcoming Matches

Fiji vs. American Samoa
Monday 25 April
Centre Park, Mangere
Local kick-off: 1.00pm

Papua New Guinea vs. Vanuatu
Monday 25 April
Centre Park, Mangere
Local kick-off: 1.00 pm

New Zealand vs. New Caledonia
Monday 25 April
Centre Park, Mangere
Local kick-off: 3.30pm

*All matches streaming LIVE on www.oceaniafootball.com