The match of the day in Day 6 of Group B of the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship was the clash between Melanesian sides Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. There is a classic football rivalry in Oceania between these two teams and know each other well. The winner of this game, would take an early advantage for a place in the semi-finals. Vanuatu showed their intentions early on in the game. Their striker, Sylvain Worworbu, opened the scoring after only 4 minutes of play.
It appeared to be a game controlled by Vanuatu, but between these two teams nothing is written before the final whistle. Before the end of the first half, Solomon Islands hit back, by way of their striker Larry Zama who equalised in the 41st minute to end the first half 1-all draw. Throughout the second half, Solomon Islands had opportunity to the take the lead but could not secure a goal. A penalty converted by Ronaldo Wilkins in the 61st minute gave Vanuatu a small advantage they hung on to, until the end.
Solomon Islands coach Jacob Moli remains disappointed by the result but he is pleased by the attitude of his players.
”It was a close game today but unfortunately we lost it.
”Despite the scorline was 2-1, the players were fighting until the end. I think it is the positve aspect of this game, he says.
On the other side, Etienne Mermer is relieved by this result.
”I would like to congratulate the players. They have been working very hard.
”It is never easy to play Solomon Islands. They are a very good side.
”When Solomon Islands scored, I was very worried the players lose their confidence but we talked to them and at the end we scored the winning goal,” he says.
Earlier in the afternoon, Tonga and Tahiti opened match day 6. Tahiti have shown the same consistency and management in their game, as they did against American Samoa. This allowed them to score 13 goals. It all kicked off in the 10th minute, when Rainui Nordman opened the scoring for the Tahitians. He went on to score his double in the 74thminute. Nordman’s first goal was followed three minutes later by Honoarii Kohumoetini who also managed a double, with his second in the 58th minute.
The scorer of the day for Tahiti was Michel Maihi. Maihi scored four times, making his personal total of nine goals, scored within only two games. March Siejidr, Ryan Petitgas, Joachim Tenuanua, Mauri Heitaa and an own goal completed the score sheet for Tahiti. The Tongan side showed some promising intentions, creating several opportunities to score. Unfortunately, a lack of chance and ability to follow through did not allow them to find the back of the net.
Coach Timote Moleni remains disappointed by the result.
”Tahiti are one of the best team in this tournament. We knew it would be a hard game but I am disappointed by this result.” he says
Ludovic Graugnard is pleased by the result and the team’s attitude.
”I am happy by the result, we did the job and the playershave respected the plan we had. It is a good result for the goal average as well,” he says.