TAHITI – After qualification for the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup and a thrilling Coupe de Polynesie victory over AS Dragon, Tahiti U-20 confirmed their intentions for 2009 with another stirring win, this time over AS Pirae. Lionel Charbonnier’s charges were too quick for “Les Oranges” whose mid-season slump continues.

Tahiti U-20 took the lead courtesy of former Pirae player Jay Warren. Lorenzo Tehau picked out Warren with a superb long pass that allowed Warren all the time in the world to beat former team-mate, Ricky Fassain on 34 minutes.

Warren could have extended the lead on the stroke of half-time when he beat Fassain again only for Jose Hmae to hook the youngsters goal-bound effort off the line. Tahiti U-20 was denied by Fassain on the hour mark when a Garry Rochette cross was headed powerfully goalwards by Ariihau Teriitau only for Fassain to turn over the crossbar.

Nicolas Paigne and Hiro Labaste carved out a clear opportunity for AS Pirae sixty seconds later only for Stephan Faatiarau to save expertly.

 Hiro Labaste equalized for AS Pirae in 74 minutes with a deft close range header. But “Les Oranges” joy was short-lived. Tahiti U-20 kept their composure and four minutes later regained the lead courtesy of an Alvin Tehau finish.

The win keeps up the momentum Tahiti U-20 have built since winning the OFC U-20 Championship and their progress to the Coupe de Polynesie Quarter-Finals has helped focus minds. AS Pirae’s Championnat D1 play-off chances remain strong but two defeats in both the league and Coupe de Polynesie suggest “Les Oranges” are some way from their best form.

Federation Tahitienne de Football (FTF)

Championnat D1 Results

Tahiti U-20 2 (Jay Warren 34′, Alvin Tehau 78′), AS Pirae 1 (Hiro Labaste 74′)