Both sides put in their all to bring the first half to a close locked at 1-1, but two simple mistakes from U-15 goalkeeper Selson Toara in the second half aided the older side in finding the back of the net twice more.
Despite the disappointment of a loss, Poida says the side’s aims have not changed.
“My players did really well against the Academy team and I am sure that things can go better for them before the tournament in China,” he says.
“We want to finish as high as we possibly can in China and a preparation like the one we had on Tuesday is really good for my young team.
“They have shown me and my coaching team that they can play quality football and compete against the older boys. We will continue to work hard in training until we fly out to China on Monday.”
Poida says he’s pleased with the overall preparations of the squad and is motivated to get the competition underway against Korea Republic and Cape Verde.
With the side set to depart on Monday 11 August, the Vanuatu Football Federation hosted a special gathering at Port Vila Stadium to farewell them.
“I just want to remind you, the players and management, that you are not just representing Vanuatu football in the games but the whole of the Oceania Football Confederation.
“We must thank OFC for choosing Vanautu for the second time. I know it is going to be tough competition and you will be travelling nearly 14 hours to play just two matches, but please listen carefully to your coaches advice and make all of OFC proud,” Maltock shared.
“It will be a trip of a lifetime for you all and on behalf of Vanuatu and Oceania football, have a safe trip on Monday and enjoy the competition.”
Team manager Stephen Felix says the young team are ready to step up to the challenge of representing their nation and region well.
“Our aim is to make the country and Oceania proud, we are hungry and ready to do better,” he says.
“We know we are going to face tough teams that we have never played before but we have received everything to prepare for the tournament and we will go there and give our best.”
Felix adds that the team is not going to just do some sightseeing and meet new people, but to play hard and do everything possible to make the Pacific proud.
To see the full match schedule for the Youth Olympic Games click here
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu